From the archives of Oral Roberts
Jesus promised us, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38).
I’d like to call your attention today especially to that last phrase: “with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Jesus is saying that we are going to receive according to the same measure ― both in the way we give and the amount we give.
What is a “good measure” to God? The Bible principle is the tithe ― one-tenth of all that we earn and have. But the tithe is always considered a minimum level for our giving. Malachi 3:10 talks about giving tithe (which is the Lord’s to begin with) and then offerings as well. Jesus challenges us to give in a way that is pressed down, shaken together, and running over … and even more.
Malachi clearly teaches that we give a tithe of our money plus an offering. If we’re hired to work eight hours a day, we work eight hours plus a few extra minutes. If we’re asked to help out, we do even more than is asked of us. It’s like over and above what’s expected.
When we give that way, we receive that way … plus, Jesus promises we’ll always receive back more than we give. Not only in our finances, but in every area of our lives; in all we do. God promises a “running over” of what you receive.
Are you giving generously to God’s work today? That’s the only way He can generously give back to you!