Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." Luke 14:12-14, NIV
When you do something for or give something to someone you love, do you do it because you want them to do something for you? How about when you do something for someone you care less about, actively dislike, or someone you don't even know? I hope you would be willing to give with no hope of thanks, with no expectation of a pat on the back or a favor in return.
That's when the real joy wells up and overflows. Jesus knew we'd be the ones to get the biggest blessing. Provide a blessing for someone who needs it without letting them know it was you who did it, and it will be you who reaps the greatest reward. It's amazing. Jesus knew it, didn't He?
Try it. You'll like it.
Prayer: Father, teach us to give joyfully expecting nothing. Teach us the joy of giving. Thank You, blessed Lord.
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