"Give to others, and God will give to you. Indeed,
you will receive a full measure, a generous helping, poured into your hands -- all that
you can hold." Not long ago, I heard from a friend in Hungary. He talked of his
surprise and joy at the overwhelming response by his family and friends to his 40th
birthday. Though I cannot do this man justice with my few words feebly placed together on
this page, I would like to share why he came to mind when I first read this verse. You
see, my friend has reason to be bitter, and reason to feel remorse. He could easily
question "Why?" and doubt the hand of God. He could shake his fists or let his
head hang down.
But, he doesn't.
Rather than being bitter, he has let the Lord set him free. Instead of cowering to the
burden of remorse, he stands tall. He questions not "Why?" but "How can I
help?" And his hands are open, his eyes are turned up.
I thought of him when I read, "Give and it will be given to you." I know few
who offer the Lord so much, who give so freely without expectation of return, and who love
so honestly with the pure light of a forgiving God. Somehow, this man does what should be
miraculous, finding time to help, to guide, to listen, to entertain, and to care for all
who are needy, whether their lack is great or small. He is at once a counselor, a
minister, a teacher, a cook, a father, and an advocate. He finds jobs for the jobless, and
affords dignity to those with none. Day in and out he gives, even though his efforts are
rarely praised or acknowledged.
But, then came his 40th birthday. And with no knowledge, and certainly no expectation,
his friends threw him a huge party. And for the 40 days that followed, he received some
kind of gift, from 40 paper angels affixed to his door, to a breakfast complete with live
guitar music. His cup runneth over, the measurement of his efforts returned in full. I can
only think of Jesus' promise, not only to my friend, but also to me, and to all who
believe in him.
