Summary: The beauty of the “Upside-Down Kingdom” is the paradox of it all. When we give, we somehow find we have more. We empty ourselves, only to find we are filled.

A Paradoxical Kingdom. Luke 6:38 says, “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.” The beauty of the “Upside-Down Kingdom” is the paradox of it all. When we give, we somehow find we have more. We empty ourselves, only to find we are filled.

However, it is not that our giving entitles us to a payback. God owes us nothing. Rather, this Upside-Down Kingdom of God has a multifaceted reward system. We may give our gold and silver, yet the reward comes in peace and contentment. We may give our time and toil, yet the reward comes in deeper kingdom relationships. We may pour out our hearts and counsel, yet God rewards us with an overflowing emotional reserve.

Remember: You cannot out-give God. His rewards are perfectly timed and often wonderfully mysterious. Give big. Give your treasure, your time and your toil. Live with an expectant view that God cannot wait to give back unto you. Give to those you lead today. Who can you reach out to today and bless? Your limited time is a prized commodity. Share it and see what happens.