Father, Your Spirit was palpable in our worship today. It was a tough topic to address but I would ask that each person who attended would continue to be impacted by what they heard from You and be in a state of prayer into regards to what the future may hold. Amen.

Luke 6:38 (<<click to read the passage)

I think we all would agree that we reap what we sow in this life. When the Apostle Paul speaks of this in Galatians 6:7-8, he is more directly addressing an eternal consequence of response to God Himself. But it is applicable to our immediate lives, as well, when we interact with others.

When we interrelate with a person of caustic personality, does it not adversely impact us? If someone is nasty or belittles us or is simply unkind, how does that make us feel? For that matter isn’t a normal reaction to take it out on someone else, a loved one or friend perhaps? Doesn’t our associating with a sour person tend to make us sour, as well? I have seen it on numerous occasions and have experienced myself…on both the receiving and giving end of things, unfortunately.

In my research, a verse popped up from the Book of Proverbs and boy is it applicable! Talk about reaping what you sow!

Whoever digs a pit [for another man’s feet] will fall into it,
And he who rolls a stone [up a hill to do mischief], it will come back on him. Proverbs 26:27 (AMP)

But the opposite is true as well, when we are around a kind, uplifting, positive, complimentary, joyous person doesn’t that rub off on us, too?

I don’t know how many times while working at Kohl’s, that I was able to diffuse a possibly volatile situation with kindness, understanding and a smile. I couldn’t always pull it off and would take offense at being unjustly hurt – and it would eat at me for the rest of the day like acid in my heart – but honestly, I worked hard to not take other peoples’ negativity personally and to love them instead.

Verse 38 in the Amplified Bible reads,

Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over [with no space left for more]. For with the standard of measurement you use [when you do good to others], it will be measured to you in return.”

My Life Application Study Bible has this to say about this verse.

Jesus used the picture of measuring grain in a basket to ensure the full amount If we are critical rather than compassionate, we will also receive criticism. If we treat others generously, graciously, and compassionately, however, these qualities will come back to us in full measure. We are to love others, not judge them.

Lord Jesus, may we diligently strive to be the positive – the holy, i.e. set aside for the use of God – in the world around us. May our impact leave marks of love and forgiveness, rather than the scars of hatred and rejection.

Feb 16th, 2020, Sun, 8:16 pm