Good measure, bad measure, neutral measure, the Holy Spirit without measure

There are 4 types of measures:

1. Good measure
2. Bad measure
3. Neutral measure
4. Without measure

1. Good measure

The word "measure" means "metron" in Hebrew from which the word "metre" is derived. A metre or metron refers to a determined extent, a portion measured off or a vessel or instrument for receiving and determining the quantity of things, dry or liquid.

In the word of God there are 2 types of good measures i.e actions that we can do that will produce good fruits in our lives:

• giving is a good measure. 

Luke 6:38 "Give and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running out all over shall man give unto your bosom"

• obedience to the word of God is a good measure

Matt 4:24 "Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use (apply and obey God's word) it will be measured back to you and to you who hear more will be given"

2. Bad measure

There is only one bad measure in the word of God which refers to our tendency to judge and criticize others. Those who "measure" out criticism of others will receive the same criticism that they criticized others with.

Matt 7:2 "For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged and with the measure you use (to judge others) it will be measured back to you"

3. Neutral measure

There are several neutral measures. However these measures can only be measured by God as it is beyond us to do so. Surely we do not have the capability to measure it out nor do we have any instrument that can be used for performing such a function.

Only God has the measuring instrument for these:

• measure of the foundations of the earth - Job 38:4-5
• measure of our days on this earth (three score and ten) - Ps 39:4
• measure of our tears - Ps 80:5
• measure the waters in the hollow of His hand - Isa 40:12
• measured heaven like a span - Isa 40:12
• measured the dust of the earth - Isa 40:12
• measured the sand of the sea - Jer 33:22
• measure the circumference of the earth - Hab 3:6

4. Without measure

Yet the best measure of all things has been given to us by God. He has given us the Holy Spirit without measure.

John 3:34 "God does not give the Spirit by measure"

In other words, God is not "calculative" in giving us His Holy Spirit. 

He has given us the Spirit without measure. 

Let us treasure Him always.