“The measure you give will be the measure you get.” Luke 6:38
“Give, even when it costs you.” St. Vincent de Paul
How’s that for holding up a mirror to your soul?
Humbling.
Overall, I consider myself to be a generous person. With my time, money and energy as mentioned in the passage but those words, “give, even when it costs you”… hmm… makes you think.
How much of my generosity involves sacrifice?
Am I giving with all I have and with good intentions?
Or am I giving from just what’s “left over”?
And, maybe most importantly, am I doing it (whatever it may be at the time) with love?
Or am I acting with resentment and out of a sense of obligation?
Today’s passage reminds me of the ‘Take Root’ passage from a few days ago.
Perhaps I need more humility; perhaps I need to humble myself.
Let’s face it, life can be overwhelming and stressful at times. And I think that can lead to selfishness and anxiety. At one of those times when I was really feeling it, a sweet friend of mine said “you can’t pour from an empty cup”.
She was right. Putting pressure on myself never fixed anything. I need to remember to lay my worries at God’s feet and trust His plan. Humble myself and let Him lead.
This Lent I pray God continues to guide my steps, fill my heart, and remind me that offering kindness is a gift.
And I pray to remember the words from this passage:
“Generosity is not about guilt-it’s about trust. Trust that God will fill whatever you empty in love.”
Dear Lord, help me to give freely, act with love and to show humility and kindness to everyone you place in my life. Amen.
