Give and Get Grace

Give and Get Grace
Nov 23, 2009
Matthew 7:2 "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."


God likes reciprocity. It is a principle taught over and over in the Bible. To explain it simply, if you give, you will get. An example of this is forgiveness. God says if you won't forgive others, then He won't forgive you. Conversely, if you forgive others, God promises to forgive you. It is a give and get relationship. When God teaches the principle, it is set in motion like gravity. It cannot be undone. God's principles are always enforced; they cannot be stopped. Even if humans try to interrupt the ebb and flow of give and get, God will ensure continuity.

But this ebb and flow of give and get is not limited to a relationship between God and man. It is actually a three way street, between God, man, and man. Consider it a circle of giving. If someone is giving then someone else is getting. If you put God in the circle of giving, and you give as well, then everyone is not only giving, but also getting. It is really great how the situation perpetuates itself. If you forgive others, then you get forgiveness; others and God will keep that circle going. Everyone will be getting forgiveness. The scripture above talks about giving and getting judgment. If you judge others, then you will be judged by God and man. The opposite of that is true as well. The opposite of showing judgment is showing grace.

If you show grace to others, then the measure of grace you use will be shown to you as well. This measure of grace will be given to you by God AND man. Grace is giving someone an allowance of forgiveness, even when they did not ask for it. Grace is overlooking an offense or someone else's flaws. Grace is allowing others to not be perfect and loving them anyway. Grace is allowing others to be human and not holding them to an impossible standard. God showed you and me the biggest measure of grace; while we were still sinners, He sent Christ to die for our sins. God started the flow of grace and we are expected to keep the circle of grace moving.

When you show grace to others, you are representing the image of God to them. You are being an example for them to follow. They, in turn, will be more willing to show you grace. Trust me, you need more grace from others than you realize. I know I do. Conversely, if you don't show grace and only show judgment, you are inviting judgment back onto yourself. I've found that grace is way better than judgment. It is good to give and get grace, from God AND man.

1. Have you been given enough grace?
2. To whom do you need to show a little extra grace?
3. How can you keep that circle of grace moving?

Add. Scriptures for Study: Mark 4:24, Luke 6:37-38, John 20:23, Rom 5:8, Rom 5:20