There is a consistent theme woven throughout the Scriptures: God deals with us based on how we deal with others.
Here are some examples. In Genesis 27 Jacob dishonors his father by tricking him into receiving his brother’s birthright. Two chapters later we see that Jacob is deceived into marrying Laban’s daughter Leah instead of the one he wanted, Rachel. The deceiver becomes the one deceived. In another instance, during the era of the conquest of Canaan, the Canaanite king Adoni-bezek had a custom of cutting off the thumbs and toes of enemy kings that he captured, 70 in all. When he is caught by the armies of Israel, they do the same to him; in that case he acknowledges that he had it coming (Judg. 1:6-7). In the New Testament, Jesus warns Peter that those who take the sword will die by the sword. The idea is that those who choose violence will often come to violent ends. Consider also the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matt. 18:21-35) and the picture of the final judgment (Matt. 25:31-46). Jesus summarizes this principle in Luke 6:38, “For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
This is how God set up his moral universe. This isn’t the only basis of God’s actions toward us, but it is clear that he dishes out rewards and punishes based on our treatment of others. It serves as a means of instructing us through natural consequences to do justly and treat others well, lest we face consequences. Even unbelievers and pagans naturally pick up on this, as you often hear the saying ‘what goes around comes around.’ It doesn’t require a deeply contemplative mind to understand that if I go around hitting people, eventually I’m going to get hit. Conversely, if I am kind to others in my speech, usually people will respond with similar kindness. There is a principle at work that everyone can observe and employ.
This principle of equal measures is really just a working out of the ‘golden rule’ of Matthew 7:12, “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the law and the prophets.’ As we follow the golden rule, God rewards us. As we break it, God issues consequences (whether corrective or punitive). He does so in the way, manner, and degree in which we obeyed or disobeyed the golden rule, so that it will be obvious to everyone. Therefore, the one who steals should not be surprised when he loses his own possessions. The murderer should expect that his own life will be forfeit eventually. The one who lies will soon find that others feel no great burden to be truthful with him. The cheater will be cheated on; the betrayer, betrayed. The gossip will be talked about behind her back. However, the generous will be amply supplied. The kind-hearted will have no shortage of friends. The patient and merciful will receive patience and mercy as well. The gentle will be treated gently. The loving are beloved. In short, as the old saying goes, “you reap what you sow” (Gal. 6:7 ; 2 Cor. 9:6).
The purpose of this principle is not to save us by good works. Rather it is God’s way of teaching via cause and effect.
For the unbelieving world, God uses this as one means to promote righteousness and keep wickedness in check. By equal measures, God works to restrain people from giving into their worst sinful impulses. Even those without God’s written law can, to some degree, live in accordance with it (Rom. 2:14-16). We should marvel at God’s goodness and wisdom in ruling over his world to preserve it, keep it from spiraling into chaos, and draw people to himself, that they may come to Christ and experience true salvation.
For believers, this principle works in concert with God’s written word. Not only do we have God’s law on the pages of Scripture, but also in the experience of life. It trains us to do his will. God’s word says, “Do this thing and I will reward you.” And then, when we do, he does. By this, he encourages obedience. The flip side is also true. When we do what he forbids, we experience a consequence in equal measure. God does not only pardon us from sins, he trains us in righteousness so we can be a people just like his Son, who does his will (Tit. 2:11-14).
We tend to love ourselves too much and love God and others too little. It is easy to think only of our own interests, opinions, feelings, and priorities. So God uses this self-interest to great effect, to sanctify us. God uses it to train us to love others. What a wonder of wisdom and grace!
With this principle in mind, consider the people in your life and how you treat them. Are you treating others as God would have you, as you would like to be treated? Are you living in conformity to the second table of the Law (Ex. 20:12-17; Deut. 5:16-21)? God cares how you treat his fellow-image bearers, especially in the household of faith (Gal. 6:10). As you do evil, he will correct with equal measure, so you may learn to love as you ought. As you do good, he will reward. Although, his reward is not equal, as he tends to over-bless those who do his will. Such is his great kindness and goodness towards us. Our God would rather train by sweet blessing than hard correction. Learn from him.
“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; 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
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