The Measure of Your Gift

The People of God Set Priorities
Bearing One Another's Burdens
A Community Shares Its Resources

Luke 6:34-38  The Message

^31-34 “Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.
^35-36 “I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.
^37-38 “Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”

For Reflection

I guess still the best rule for good living is "Do as you did be done by!"  As Christians, we are asked to love equally the lovable and the unlovable.  Furthermore, we are asked to expect nothing in return.
Such behavior doesn't seem to be hard, but, without Christ, without the Father, without the Holy Spirit, it is difficult.    It requires humility and selflessness.  To reflect that kind of love, one must give one's self to God completely. Forgiveness begets forgiveness.  Humility begets humility.  Love begets love.

Pray

for the presence of the Holy spirit to rise in you so that it overwhelms self-centered living and drives God-centered living.