As I pray about generosity of spirit this week, it strikes me that give has the same word origin as forgive. Of course it does! Anyone can see that the two words are closely related. When you forgive you become a gracious giver, without reservation.
…forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you.
Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap.
For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:37-38
The origin of “forgive” is the Latin word “perdonare,” meaning “to give completely, without reservation,” a verb that conveys the idea of doing something entirely or “all the way through.”[1] This is the hallmark of a genuine gift.
A few years ago, Jay and I were privileged to take a private tour of the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. I remember turning around and suddenly finding myself face to face with Rembrandt’s “The Return of the Prodigal Son.” I gasped at the remarkable beauty of its’ story. The painting at first glance is dark, but on one side an illumination of tenderness and mercy invade the story. The son had only just come home and fallen upon his father in repentance, his tattered garment and muddy skin contrasting sharply against the groomed father in a silken robe. The father’s hands gently draped about the shoulders of his son as he received him with the fullness of empathy only a father could offer. By the look on his face and the full weight of the son leaning upon him, I was sure that Rembrandt had once experienced forgiveness himself.
Genuine giving and forgiving are preceded by eager anticipation of the opportunity.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “Luke 15:20
To give “all the way through” is to fully abandon the anger, shame,
or hurt of the offense and to bestow full ownership of the material gifts.
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it,” Luke 15:22-23
Giving from the heart frees the spirit and brings an abundance of genuine joy.
…Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” Luke 15:23-24
This week won’t you ask the Lord to make you a cheerful giver who is quick to forgive. Join She Loves Out Loud in providing meals for children and families who are facing bare cupboards and adapting to Covid-19 circumstances.
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
For just $1 you share the love of so great a Savior. It’s so easy you don’t even need to put this on your “later” or to do list. Just click here and give a meal or give a family pack. How about a Thanksgiving meal: $1 for anyone who gather at your Thanksgiving table this year.
$1 = 1 meal. That’s a meal deal you won’t find anywhere!
Thank you for LOVING OUT LOUD!
