Nougat 14

Hi

Doesn’t everyone love a good gift! Well, many of us do; especially the unexpected ones. But what if what we got was in response to what we gave? Would we still be getting good gifts? Hmmm in today’s Holy Nougat, giving is about a life principle.

“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. ” Luke‬ ‭6:38‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This truism is located amid other life principles that constitute the ‘Sermon on the Plain’ (ie Luke’s version of the ‘Sermon on the Mount’). It is condensed and offers lessons that are not as easy to obey. Prior to this, we are exposed to the Beatitudes (blessings), followed by woes and a call to Love our enemies. Immediately preceding this nougat is the ‘qualifier’ for giving and receiving: judge not, condemn not; BUT take time to forgive!

The recommendation about our giving seems then, to be framed by HOW we treat others. Therefore, the WHAT we give isn’t only about things material; although that is a part of the mix. For me; on this beautiful day dedicated to Love , this mandate insists on soul searching – “how has my giving been lately?” – perhaps you may wish to ask yourself the same questions too.

• Have I been a positive voice for others around me

• Do I offer Love to those who seem unloveable

• Am I sharing with others from my bounty of blessings

• Is kindness a natural aspect of my life even to the stranger

• Have I given others that which I really hope to get in turn today

If whatever I give is multiplied, repacked then regifted to me; I have to be careful about What I give, When I give and How I give. And since I really am seeking the pressed down, shaken and overflowing kind of blessings from the True Giver of gifts; the Who is academic. I give as unto Jesus regardless. And the Where is therefore Everywhere. Especially those places where it’s unexpected and often undeserved. Because that’s what the Lover of our Souls did; and commended the same to us.

Yearning for some great gifts of mercy, grace, forgiveness and Love? Let’s start by giving.

In Christ’s love and grace . . .