LUKE 6: 38. EUREKA!

Somewhere back in 210-280BC, Archimedes realised the effect of water displacement, and the overflow effect.    In simple terms (as I'm a simple man), what you put into the water displaces the water and it overflows, out of its container, and into the environment around it.

Luke 6:38, is just that principle.  "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap..."

It's all about effort, patience, forgiveness, and kindness. It's the ultimate principle of abundance: When you go big in giving, life goes bigger in giving back.

Here’s how to apply this Overflow Principle in the three most important areas of your life:

Your relationship: 

Your relationship is not a record,  keeping track of scores, of rights and wrongs.

The fastest way to kill a partnership is to always be counting who did the dishes last or who took out the rubbish most.

Go Big on Effort: 

Instead of waiting for a clear signal that it's "your turn," just jump in and do it when you see something needs doing. Don't count your contribution. Give your effort abundantly, pressed down and running over.

Go Big on Forgiveness: 

When they mess up (and they will), don't hold the mistake over their head for weeks. Wipe the slate clean. Give them a measure of forgiveness that's "running over," meaning you don't keep bringing up old faults.

Your Family:

The way you treat your children is the blueprint for how they'll treat you—and the world—later on. Be the example of abundance.

Give Them the Long Fuse: 

When your child is testing your limits, fighting with a sibling, or melting down over something trivial, give them a bucket-load of patience. Take a deep breath and choose understanding over anger. Don't snap at the first sign of irritation.

Cheer Loudly for the Small Stuff: 

Don't just wait for the exam results, the finals, the performance, be generously affirming. Praise the effort, the creative idea, the kind act, or the courage to try something new. Give them an overflowing measure of belief in their potential.

 Your Job: 

At work,  the Overflow Principle dictates that your reputation is built not on what you are paid to do, but on what you choose to give beyond that.

Don't Do the Bare Minimum: 

Don't just tick the boxes. When you turn in a report, run a meeting, or serve a customer, give it a "pressed down, shaken together" measure of excellence. Make sure it’s reliable, thorough, and high-quality.

 Lift Up Your Co-Workers: 

Be generous with your praise and your help. If a colleague is struggling, freely offer your time and knowledge to help them succeed. Give credit where it’s due.

The beautiful takeaway from Luke 6:38 is that

generosity is not a loss; it's an investment.

The kindness, patience, and effort you give out never just disappear. They come back to you, often in an unexpected form, but always in an

overflowing measure.

Ready to start pouring out that good measure today?