Grace That Overflows

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure we give will be the measure we get back.” —Luke 6:38 (CEB)

I once saw an illustration that has stayed with me. Imagine someone holding an empty glass jar. Then they begin dropping in pebble-sized stones. These stones represent the big gifts we give: love, forgiveness, kindness.  

Next, they pour in fine sand. The grains slip into the spaces between the stones. These are the smaller gifts—smiles, encouragement, little acts of care.  

Finally, water is poured into the jar. It flows around the stones and sand, filling every gap until it rises to the brim and spills over. That’s what Jesus means when He says God’s blessings are pressed down, shaken together, and running over.  

In the verses leading up to this promise, Jesus tells us to love our enemies, to bless those who curse us, to forgive, and to give without expecting anything back. That’s not easy. But here’s the good news: when we give—even when it feels costly—God’s grace fills us. Not just enough to get by, but overflowing.  

And the refilling is continual. God doesn’t stop at one blessing–there is no scarcity; His grace keeps pouring in, again and again.  

So, as we approach this Thanksgiving season, we are invited to give a little more love, a little more forgiveness, a bit more kindness. When we do, we make space for God’s grace to overflow in our lives and in our community. We don’t give alone—we give together, and together we are filled again and again by God’s boundless love.  

God of overflowing grace, thank You for continually refilling our lives with Your love. Help us to give generously—our kindness, our forgiveness, our care—so that Your blessings may overflow in us and through us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Peace & Grace,

Pastor Tim