Reciprocity – at a New Level

Daniel 11-12; Luke 6 

“’Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 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.’”

Luke 6:37, 38

We could call this teaching by Jesus, the principle of reciprocity, taken to a new level. The way we treat others is the way God and others treat us. Judging, condemning, and critical attitudes don’t resemble the character of our Father. Rather, we are to forgive, give generously when asked, and live a life of bold love. When we give liberally and without the expectation of a return, God pours into our lives a “good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over”. Everything that our Father gives us, including forgiveness, grace, mercy, and love, is to be freely shared and poured out to others. This includes our enemies and those who make our lives challenging. Again, how we treat our enemies is how our Father will treat us.

Where are we needing a behavior change?

“Lord Jesus, fill me with your love so I can love others the way you love me, for your glory.”