You Get What You Give

You Get What you Give

Luke 6:38:
Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.

This text is used in reference to giving and receiving money, but applies also to greater values. Such as…

If we are critical rather than compassionate we will receive criticism. If we treat others generously, graciously, and compassionately, however, these qualities will come back to us in full measure.

1. Consideration

Colossians 3:12-13:
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

The key to forgiving others is remembering how much God has forgiven you. If we want forgiveness we must be willing to give consideration to others who wronged us.

A. The kind of seeds a farmer sows determines the kind of harvest he will reap.

B. The spiritual seed we plant also determines the harvest. If we are considerate of the feelings and needs of others, we will usually receive kindness and appreciation in return.

C. Consideration for others brings God’s blessing. God forgives us as we forgive.

Matthew 6:14:
14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.

He is pleased when we love one another. Let God worry about the wrongs we’ve suffered. Don’t quench your life feuding: live renewed in love and joy.

2. Consolation (to comfort)

2 Corinthians 1:4:
4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

The more we suffer, the more comfort God gives us. If you are feeling overwhelmed, allow God to comfort you.

Remember that every trail you endure will help you comfort other people who are suffering similar troubles.

A. God comforts His children, enabling us to be comforters to others.

B. We receive God’s blessings when we reach out with compassion to the bereaved, the lonely, the troubled and depressed.

C. God consoles Christians with His presence. He never leaves nor forsakes them.
Hebrews 13:5
I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,"

He consoles with His peace

Many think that when God comforts us, our troubles should go away. But if that were always so, people would turn to God only out of a desire to be relieved of pain and not out of love for him.


Philippians 4:7:
Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

God’s peace is different from the world’s peace. True peace is not found in positive thinking, in absence of conflict, or in good feelings.

It comes from Knowing that God is in control.

Let God’s peace guard your heart against anxiety.

What to worry less? Then pray more!

3. Cooperation

1 Corinthians 3:9:
9For we are laborers together with God

God’s work involves many different individuals with a variety of gifts and abilities. There are no superstars in this task, only team members performing their own special roles.

A. Independence is no longer a virtue when it creates difficulty in working with God and others because we insist on doing things our way.

B. To receive the benefits of congeniality, we must work together in harmony and unity of spirit.

Psalm 133
How wonderful and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in harmony!

Harmony is pleasant and precious.

Unfortunately, harmony is not always found in the church, as it should be.

People disagree and cause division over unimportant issues.

Some delight in causing tension by discrediting others.

Harmony is important because
1.It makes the church a positive example to the world and helps draw others to the Lord.
2. It helps us cooperate as a body of believers as God meant us to, giving us a foretaste of heaven.
3. It renews and revitalizes ministry because there is less tension to sap our energy.

Living in harmony does not mean that we will agree on everything there will be many opinions just as there are many notes in a musical chord.

But we must agree on our purpose in life- to work together for God. Our outward expression of harmony will reflect our inward harmony of purpose. And we will make beautiful music together.

C. As laborers with God we help in the work of the church and assist wherever we find opportunity.

Ephesians 4:2-3:
2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

No one is ever going to be perfect here on earth, so we must accept and love other Christians in spite of their faults.

When we see faults in fellow believers, we should be patient and gentle.

Is there someone whose actions or personality really annoys you?

Rather than dwelling on that persons weaknesses or looking for faults, pray for him or her.

To build unity is one of the Holy Spirits important roles.


He leads, but we have to be willing to be led and to do our part to keep the peace. We do that by focusing on God, not on ourselves.

4. Confidence

1 John 5:14:
14 And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.

If we align our prayers to His will, He will listen: and we can be certain that if He listens, He will give us a definite answer.

Start praying with confidence!

A. Lack of faith is often expressed through pessimistic attitudes that bring disappointment to self, discouragement to others, and displeasure to God.



Hebrews 11:6:
6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

B. We demonstrate faith by declaring our confidence in God.
When we do, others will grow in faith through our influence

C. The more we exercise our faith the more it will grow. Unused faith dwindles and dies.

James 2:17-18:
17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
18 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”

MAKING IT REAL
Practically speaking, how can I put all this into practice? The answer is simple. Start giving. I want you to do at least once a day each of the following:
1. Say something to encourage someone.
2. Shine a big smile on someone.
3. (extra credit) Look at a person's face and think,” I’m seeing an image of God" (Genesis 1:27). This will help you to appreciate the tremendous inherent value in all human beings, including yourself!

Remember you get what you give!