A Good Measure of Joy

            Have you had your Joy Juice today?  Share some with others~ It’s a great way to give!

            When you hear the word “give”, what kind of emotion does it bring to your thoughts?  Do you feel joyful over the prospect of being able to give to others?  It probably depends on WHO you’d be giving to, right?

            We love to give to our children, grandchildren and special friends. It’s a pleasure to be able to express how we care by giving them something that makes them happy.  But what about when we feel “obligated” to give and we find ourselves giving grudgingly rather than cheerfully.

            In Luke 6:38 we read, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

            Do you know what Jesus was referring to in this passage?  In the previous verses He had been urging His followers not to judge or condemn others, but rather to forgive. For example:  “People who have gracious and compassionate spirits, refusing to judge and condemn, will find gracious attitudes and compassion returned toward them.  People who forgive easily will find that they are forgiven their own offenses more easily.  The measure with which we give determines the measure with which we receive.” (The Bible for Hope, pp 1326)

            Do you desire forgiveness?  Then---be willing to forgive!  That’s one sure way of receiving a great big portion of the joy in the Lord!

            Let’s give generously…and be ready for a good measure of JOY!