Verse of the Day for September 18

Before the yes in this passage there are two nos. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned. Only then comes the positive command, forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.

The order is wise. Most forgiveness begins by refusing something. Refusing to pass the final sentence on someone. Refusing to write them off. The nos clear the ground for the yes.

Then Jesus paints a picture from the market. good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over. Anyone who has bought rice or garri by the cup knows the difference. Some traders level the cup with a finger. Others press it, shake it, and pile it until it spills into your bag.

God gives the generous way. And Jesus says the measure we use will be the measure used for us. A tight, levelled heart toward others tends to find life measured back with the same tightness.

Sometimes the answer you need to give is no. No to the gossip about your colleague. No to the verdict you have already formed about your in-law. When you say those nos, you are making room in your own cup for a measure that runs over.

Forgiveness often starts with refusing to pass a final sentence.

The cup you use for others is the cup you carry yourself.