One word, one verse for 2015: give

I have chosen a word and a Bible verse for each of the past 5 years. This year (my sixth year), the word is "give," and the verse is Luke 6:38: Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

I wanted to use a verb this year, to remind me that I need to act in a giving way, not just with finances but also with my heart.

The verse is from Jesus' teaching when he first sends out the 12 apostles. In that passage, Jesus says, "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, as your Father is merciful.

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." Then comes the verse above, Luke 6:38.

So Jesus isn't talking solely about financial giving in these instructions to his apostles. He is talking about radical generosity, giving that comes from the heart and requires real sacrifice. I hope to demonstrate this kind of generosity in the coming year.

For the record, my words for the past five years have been:

2014-love
2013-prayer
2012-simple
2011-wisdom
2010-refuge