This quote is attributed to Bruce Lee: “The usefulness of the cup is its emptiness.” Nevertheless, God fills the empty cups with fullness and abundance, and overflowing cups could fill the other empty cups. (Psalms 23:5) A cup, any person, or the heart of a person could be compared with a cup. First, it is filled with unwanted things and even filthy things. Second, it must be emptied and cleaned. Third, it must be filled with the love of the Lord. Fourth, such a cup overflows and fills the other empty cups.
Filthy cups: A human heart produces evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness, and false witness. (Mark 9:20-23; Matthew 15:19)
Empty and Clean cups: filthy cups ought to be cleaned. Only with the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, a person is cleansed from the sins. Clean empty cups mean to be humble, willing to listen, learn new, and unlearn wrong opinions. There is a proverb, an empty vessel makes more noise. Hence, a believer will not be ashamed to ask and pray for God’s love to fill his heart.
Filled cups: God’s love is poured into the hearts by the Holy Spirit. (Romans 5:5) When a believer reads the Bible with an open mind, receptive heart, and joyful spirit, will be filled with the knowledge and wisdom of God. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. (Matthew 5:6)
Overflowing cups: It is not possible to pour from an empty cup. When a person is filled with God’s love and wisdom, becomes useful to others. Most people around us have filthy cups, and overflowing God’s love will help them to clean up and become empty, ready to receive God’s Word and Spirit. Even many believers have empty cups or partially filled cups. They need guidance and counsel. It is a joyful ministry; all believers can do to non-believers and believers.
Can we also sing: “I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.” (Psalms 116:13)