Forward is Backward

"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."

Luke 6:38 NIV

Pay it Forward Day was this past Saturday.  I was thrilled to see many social media, television, radio and other people discussing the importance of taking time to do good unto others.  I've always thought this was a special way to live our lives - to always consider the needs to others before our own.  

I'm sure many of us will agree that when we take the step to help someone else, to volunteer our time or resources to provide for others, that so many different miracles take place.  

• First, the true impact on the other person of what was given.  It may have been a gesture to give them something that they desperately needed - like a meal.  It also could have been warm clothing or even a cup of coffee.  When we give to those truly in need, after having been blessed ourselves, it is God's love shining through.
• Second, there is the impact on ourselves.  I have yet to meet someone who, when they share the story of an act of kindness they gave, weren't impacted themselves.  Our hearts swell with love when we see a gesture we gave mean so much to someone.  When we give, God's love shines through.  When we see the difference, it is Jesus' love coming back to us.

Sometimes, an act of "paying it forward" may seem out of reach.  Maybe we don't have the monetary resources to provide to others.  Maybe we don't have those extra few minutes to work at a soup kitchen.  Yes, we may find barriers in our lives that we believe stop us from paying it forward.  Yet, there are many ways, in our daily activities, that we can pay it forward.  A kind word, a warm hug, a small note, and even a quick text, can provide the miracle in someone's life.

We need to take this verse in context though.  If you were to read the previous verse, it shares the real essence of paying it forward.  "Do not judge, and you will not be judged.  Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.  Forgive and you will be forgiven."  (Luke 6:37).  The greatest gift we can give to someone is true forgiveness.  It is through this forgiveness that the most awesome of miracles happen.  Our Dearest Jesus died on the cross for the forgiveness of ALL our sins - not just the big ones.  In turn, we are to forgive others.  Yes, this gives something to the one we are forgiving, but just like an act of kindness, we are the ones who are truly blessed.  By forgiving others, goodness will be poured into our laps, abundantly.  Forgiveness is freeing.  Forgiveness is peaceful.  Forgiveness is joyful.  

So the next time we want to pay it forward, let us be reminded that one of the greatest acts of kindness can be forgiveness.  In turn, giving it forward has a rich reward back to us.  Forward is Backward in Forgiveness.  May we give the miracle of forgiveness to those that need it - including ourselves.   

Heavenly Father, thank you for these key verses that help us understand the power of giving.  Although many acts of kindness can make great impact on others, the greatest gift we can give another is the gift that Jesus gave to us - forgiveness.  May we always be aware of what we can do for others.  In you name we pray.  Amen!