The Right Measure of Grace

Kitchen Confessions: The Right Measure of Grace

Scripture: "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over..." - Luke 6:38 (NIV)

The kitchen timer hums softly as I stand before my grandmother's old ceramic bowl, sugar cascading from the measuring cup like crystalline rain. My weathered hands—hands that have kneaded countless loaves, wiped countless tears pause mid-pour.

Too much sugar ruins the cake. I learned this the hard way twenty-three years ago, when pride made me ignore the recipe for my son's first birthday. The memory still stings: her tiny face scrunched in confusion at the cloying sweetness, guests politely setting aside their slices. A good measure, the verse whispers as I level the sugar with my knife's edge. Pressed down, shaken together.

I've walked enough roads to understand now what I couldn't then -God's grace operates like this careful measuring. In my thirties, drowning in bills and sleepless nights with two children under five, His grace felt scarce, rationed. I wanted the abundance, the "running over" part. Instead, I received just enough strength for each exhausting day.

But looking back from this kitchen, flour dusting my apron and afternoon light slanting through familiar windows, I see the wisdom in His portions. Too much grace too early might have made me careless, like too much sugar makes cake inedible.

The seasons when grace poured like honey-when unexpected checks arrived, when healings came, when prodigal children returned-those came precisely when I could handle the sweetness without losing my way.

Now I measure my own grace differently too. Where I once withheld forgiveness like a miser hoarding coins, I've learned to be generous. Not reckless grace without wisdom becomes enabling, but generous like Him who gave good measure to me.

The oven preheats. Soon this simple cake will feed my neighbour recovering from surgery, each bite carrying prayer and intentionality. Running over. Yes, Lord. Your measure was always perfect.

Reflection for Believers:

Life's hardships taught this wayfarer that God's grace—like sugar in baking—comes in perfect measure. Trust His timing; abundance arrives when we can receive it wisely. Measure grace to others as He measures it to you.

Poetic Reflection:

You measure grace in perfect ways,
Enough for nights and bright new days.
A portion full, then running o’er,
I trust Your sweetness evermore