“And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.” — Psalm 79:12
“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” — Luke 6:38
Measured and Multiplied
The Bible reveals a divine principle: God measures back to us according to what we give out — whether it be kindness or cruelty, mercy or reproach. Psalm 79 reminds us that God sees every wrong and will repay it fully. Luke 6:38 shows the other side — that when we give generously, God returns it abundantly. This is a sobering and encouraging truth: your measure becomes your return.
Illustration #1 — Haman’s Gallows (Esther 7:9–10)
Haman built gallows for Mordecai out of hatred and pride. He measured out cruelty, planning another man’s destruction. Yet in God’s justice, Haman was hanged on the very gallows he prepared. What he gave out came back to him — pressed down, shaken together, and running over in judgment. If a man sows hatred and reproach, he will reap it multiplied.
Illustration #2 — The Widow of Zarephath (Luke 4:25–26; cf. 1 Kings 17:8–16)
Jesus referenced the widow who, in a time of famine, gave her last meal to Elijah. She measured out faith and generosity when she had nothing left. God responded by sustaining her — “the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail.” When we give in faith, God gives back in abundance.
If you give grace, expect grace. If you give bitterness, expect bitterness. If you give generously, God will return it abundantly.
The measure you use today — your spirit, your giving, your attitude — is the measure God will use tomorrow. Choose your measure wisely.