Luke 6:38

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall they give into your bosom. For with what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you again.

Give ... If there is a single word in the whole dictionary that summarizes the Christian life, this is it. "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35); and the measure of the holy life is not getting but giving. This is the second of the positive injunctions (see under Luke 6:37) related to "judging," thus making this applicable to individuals who might have petitioned for aid or alms, which requests are to be ministered to, not grudgingly, but with overflowing generosity.

Pressed down, shaken together ... etc. The metaphor here is a measure of grain, the application being to a measure given, as well as a measure purchased. Short-changing the purchaser by making "the ephah small" (Amos 8:5) was condemned by God's prophets; but the great ethic of Christianity condemns short-changing the poor by skimping the measure of alms given. The current era needs to heed this. It is sinful for Christians to skimp their giving to the church and to individuals who should be aided.

Shall be measured to you again ... The double application of this gives promise to God's special blessings upon persons honoring his word and states that men themselves will respond in kind to such conduct.