At Christmas time, we are usually in our most generous state of mind. We want to give gifts and want to give generously to the needy. But even then, selfishness creeps below the surface sometimes. We begin to think about how the gift will be received and whether we will get appropriate recognition for the gifts. Jesus taught us a better way to do good without expecting anything in return.
In Luke 6:35-36 Jesus teaches, “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” People tend to be selfish, even when we are trying to do good things for others. Jesus taught that we should do good without expecting anything in return. When we do good unselfishly, God will greatly reward us. Giving mercy to those who hurt us is one way of giving unselfishly, as demonstrated by God’s mercy toward us.
Reluctant Retiree 