What does "expect nothing in return" teach about selfless giving? Key Verse “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” Expect nothing in return is Jesus’ clear call to a kind of generosity that mirrors God’s own character. What It Does Not Mean • It does not forbid gratitude from the receiver; rather, the giver must not make payment or recognition a condition of giving. • It does not oppose wise stewardship; Scripture values prudence (Proverbs 27:23). The issue is motive, not management. • It does not promise poverty; God repeatedly assures care for cheerful givers (Philippians 4:19; Psalm 37:25). The Heart of Selfless Giving • Imitates God’s grace. The Most High “is kind to the ungrateful and wicked” (Luke 6:35). Our gifts reflect His undeserved kindness. • Centers on love, not leverage. Giving becomes an act of worship, detached from personal gain or human applause (Matthew 6:3-4). • Rejects transactional relationships. When hearts are set on repayment, relationships become business deals, not ministry. Why Expect Nothing? • To protect the giver from pride and manipulation. Seeking return fuels self-importance and can twist generosity into control. • To free the recipient from obligation. Gifts unencumbered by strings breathe dignity into those in need (2 Corinthians 9:13-15). • To secure a heavenly reward. “Then your reward will be great” (Luke 6:35). Earthly repayment shrinks eternal blessing (Matthew 6:1-2). • To testify to the gospel. Undeserved generosity puts Christ’s sacrifice on display (Romans 5:8). Practical Ways to Grow in Selfless Giving • Give anonymously when possible; anonymity trains the heart away from recognition. • Set aside a portion of income specifically for blessing those who cannot repay (Proverbs 19:17). • Practice hospitality toward those outside your social circle (Luke 14:12-14). • Serve with your time where thanks is unlikely—nursing homes, prisons, children’s ministries. • Quietly forgive debts or obligations when the Spirit prompts (Deuteronomy 15:7-10). Blessings Promised to the Selfless Giver • “Your reward will be great” (Luke 6:35): eternal compensation outweighs temporal return. • “You will be sons of the Most High”: displays family resemblance, confirming identity in Christ. • “More blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35): inner joy and contentment the world cannot match. • “Sow bountifully, reap bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9:6): God multiplies resources and influence for further kingdom work. Scriptures Echoing the Principle • Proverbs 19:17 — “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will reward him for what he has done.” • Matthew 5:46-48 — “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?” • Luke 14:12-14 — “Invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed… you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” • 2 Corinthians 9:7 — “God loves a cheerful giver.” Everyday Takeaway Give because God gave first. Hold resources loosely, release recognition willingly, and look to heaven for your return. In doing so, generosity becomes pure worship, echoing the relentless, self-sacrificing love of the Savior Himself. |
    |