But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.
Luke 6:35 NIV
Do you feel entitled to a certain kind of treatment from others? Think about that for a minute. Think about some of the most annoying things that happen to you on a regular basis. You have to wait in line longer than you like at the so-called fast-food restaurant. Or you order something online, and the store sends you the wrong thing. You do a good deed and no one notices. Or perhaps you give generously (so you think), and no one pays you back.
How much do you expect from others? From strangers, friends, enemies, or even from God?
Whatever your level of expectation, take a step back and evaluate what that says about your relationship with that person. It may be a good thing—for example, you expect faithfulness from your spouse because of the vows you’ve taken. But it may be that you have placed too much importance on your part in this equation. Should you get something simply because you have given something? Is that the requirement? Or rather, is the requirement to give cheerfully, with or without a reward?
Jesus came to turn the “eye for an eye” kind of justice on its head. He came to say that loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength means giving differently. Giving big. And quite likely getting nothing in return.
Dear Lord, help me to give with a heart like Yours. Amen.
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Today’s reading was adapted from Daily Wisdom for Women: 2016 Devotional Collection with permission from Barbour Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reading was written by Anita Higman.