Giving and Expecting

Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.  I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst.  (Luke 6:33-35, MSG)

How can any of us give without expecting anything in return?  Is that even possible?  The answer is absolutely – yes we can.  In fact, not only can we give without expecting anything in return, but it is also the only way in which God wants us to give.  The key in doing this is for us to determine our motives behind giving.  If we are giving to be accepted, to be liked, or to be any thing other than loving, our motive is simply wrong.  It is indeed nice to hear “Thank you” from the person we give to, but it is not necessary.

The truth is God can only give us what we need.  So our expectation should be placed on God and not others.  If we continue to expect what a person is incapable of giving – we will be disappointed every time.  This is the reason Paul responded the way he did, concerning the giving of the Christians at Philippi – And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19, NIV).  He wanted the Philippians to know that he was grateful for their giving, and that their true reward, for their giving, will be from God.

Today let us give the way Jesus tells us to give in Luke 6:33-35.  Let us give generously and graciously to others, and at the same time expect God – and only God – to bless us accordingly.