Old Testament
Proverbs 19:17-18
17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD; he will reward him.
18 Discipline your son, for there is hope; don’t be a willing party to his death.
Common Good
Giving Without Expectation
Scripture References
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Luke 6:27-36
27 “But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you.
29 To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer also the other; and from him who takes away your cloak, don’t withhold your coat also.
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30 Give to everyone who asks you, and don’t ask him who takes away your goods to give them back again.
31 “As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them.
32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.
33 If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.
34 If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much.
35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind towards the unthankful and evil.
36 “Therefore be merciful, even as your Father is also merciful.
Thought for the Day
Proverbs says something strangely freeing: whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay. The proverb is not inviting us to manipulate God. It is lifting our eyes. No gift given in love is wasted; it is received by God as part of our life with him.
Jesus goes further than we usually dare. Love your enemies, he says; do good; lend, expecting nothing in return. Be merciful as your Father is merciful. This is not a strategy for winning. It is a portrait of God’s own heart.
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Giving without expectation is hard because it exposes our hidden bargains. We want gratitude. We want control. We want to feel righteous. But mercy, in Scripture, is generous and uncalculating. It gives because the other is a neighbour, not because the other will repay. Some gifts are quiet: time, attention, patience. We can give without keeping score. This is freedom. This is likeness to the Father. It also gives with wisdom: love is not gullible.
Lord, make our love clean. Teach us to give with wisdom and without resentment, to serve without superiority, and to bless without demanding recognition. Make our charity a reflection of your mercy: steady, quiet, and glad.
Prayer Points
Respond- Teach us mercy like yours: generous, patient, and free from the need to be repaid.
- Deliver us from pride in serving; teach humility and honour towards those we help.
- Protect those receiving charity from shame and exploitation; give help that is dignifying and safe.
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- Give wisdom for generosity that is both compassionate and responsible.
- Make the Church known for quiet kindness that blesses even when it is not noticed.