Expectation, The Test of True Generosity (Part 3)

I believe the mark of true generosity can be found in expectation.  As you give or lend:  What is your expectation for the situation?

“If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount.  But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great.” (Luke 6:34-35)

Christ gave quite a surprising twist to generosity–expect nothing in return.  This got me thinking about what types of “expectations” we bring to the table of generosity. [Intro previously posted]

HEAVENLY

This post will highlight one often overlooked portion of the passages we have used throughout this mini-series.  Each portion of scripture we have looked actually tells us what our expectation should be:

“and your reward will be great.” (Luke 6:35)

“your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” (Matt. 6:4)

“for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14:14)

The Bible instructs our generosity to be motivated by a desire for heavenly reward.  In a sense, we are only to “expect nothing in return” in this life.  However, the expectation of return in the next life should in fact be a passionate motivation.

What exactly heavenly reward is, is never fully described in scripture.  To a certain extent, we don’t really know what heavenly reward is.  I believe this is intentional in order to call us to live by faith.  The only thing that we know for certain is that Christ, the author of our salvation, instructs us to seek after it. 

Taking an honest look at your expectations for generosity (because believe me, you do have expectations of some kind) can free us to give as the Bible instructs, and ultimately, to reap a bountiful harvest in heaven.

Expectation Series: Part 1- Repayment, Part 2- Praise, Part 3- Heavenly.

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