How can I apply Luke 6:38 to my life?

Luke 6:38 reads: “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.” (NIV) While these words are frequently associated with financial giving, their meaning and application extend far beyond money.

Understanding the Context of Luke 6:38

Luke 6 is part of Jesus’ “Sermon on the Plain,” where He teaches about love, mercy, forgiveness, and how His followers should treat others. Jesus’ message is radical—He calls for loving enemies, blessing those who curse us, and giving without expecting anything in return. Luke 6:38 appears in a section focusing on generosity and judgment, emphasizing the importance of having a gracious and open-hearted attitude toward others.

The “measure” Jesus refers to was a common image in ancient marketplaces. Merchants would fill a container with grain, press it down, shake it to remove air gaps, and fill it to overflowing—ensuring the buyer received more than expected. Jesus uses this imagery to illustrate God’s abundant response to our acts of generosity.

The Principle of Generosity

At its core, Luke 6:38 teaches the principle of generosity: when we give freely to others—whether that’s time, kindness, forgiveness, or resources—we open ourselves to receive blessings in return. This isn’t a transactional formula or a guarantee that if we give money, we’ll get more money back. Instead, it’s about cultivating a generous spirit that reflects God’s character.

Applying Luke 6:38 begins with a willingness to give, not out of obligation or expectation of reward, but from a heart of compassion and gratitude. This means being alert to the needs around us and responding with open hands. It might be as simple as offering a listening ear to a friend, volunteering our skills to help someone, or sharing our resources with those in need.

Generosity in Relationships

Luke 6:38 is especially relevant in the context of relationships. Jesus’ teaching calls us to give love, patience, and understanding, even to those who may not reciprocate. If we want to experience grace and kindness from others, we must first be willing to extend it ourselves. This applies to our families, workplaces, churches, and communities.

For example, if you desire forgiveness and understanding when you make mistakes, be quick to forgive and seek understanding when others fall short. If you long for encouragement, become an encourager yourself. The principle of “the measure you use” reminds us that the attitudes and actions we sow in our relationships will often return to us in unexpected and multiplied ways.

Giving Without Expectation

A key element of Jesus’ teaching is giving without strings attached. In the verses before and after Luke 6:38, He instructs us to give to those who cannot repay us and to love even those who do not love us back. Applying this means choosing to serve others without keeping score or expecting recognition.

This could look like helping a neighbor with a chore, supporting a cause that benefits people you may never meet, or forgiving someone who doesn’t apologize. Such acts of selfless generosity create a ripple effect, spreading goodness and reflecting God’s unconditional love.

Trusting God’s Provision

Applying Luke 6:38 also involves trusting that God sees and honors our generosity. Jesus assures us that when we give, “it will be given to you”—not always in the way we expect, but often in ways that are richer and more meaningful. Sometimes, the “measure” we receive comes in the form of deeper relationships, inner joy, or unexpected opportunities.

Trusting God’s provision frees us from a scarcity mindset. Instead of worrying that we’ll have less if we give, we learn to believe that God’s resources are limitless and that He delights in blessing those who bless others.

Cultivating an Abundant Mindset

Another application of Luke 6:38 is adopting an abundance mindset rather than a mindset of lack. When we focus on what we have to give—rather than on what we lack—we become more open, joyful, and generous. This mindset affects how we approach our time, talents, and resources, encouraging us to share freely rather than hoard them out of fear.

Practical Steps for Applying Luke 6:38

1. Start Small: Look for daily opportunities to give—whether it’s a smile, an encouraging word, or a helping hand.
2. Practice Forgiveness: Extend grace and forgiveness, even when it’s difficult.
3. Share Resources: Donate time, money, or possessions to meet the needs of others.
4. Serve Anonymously: Give in ways that only God sees, without seeking recognition.
5. Be Grateful: Cultivate gratitude for what you have, which naturally leads to a more generous spirit.
6. Reflect God’s Love: Let your generosity be a reflection of God’s abundant love and grace toward you.

Conclusion

When we give freely—of our time, love, resources, and forgiveness—God’s blessings return to us, “pressed down, shaken together, and running over.” In every act of generosity, we reflect the heart of Christ and participate in the abundant life He offers.