05/09/2026
A recent fb post came through my newsfeed: “I’m done helping others and being there for them. I’m never appreciated.”
My response: “Why do you help others? For the joy of doing so or for the recognition? If it's for the joy and you stop, then you deny yourself feelings of happiness. If you do it for the appreciation then simply tell them you'd like to be acknowledged.”
While I understand the hurt this person feels, I do not give solely for the well-being of the other, although this is of great importance to me. I also give because God continually blesses me and expects me to give generously to others as well .
Very few selfless givers ever receive the gratitude due them. For me, that's not sufficient reason to stop, for in doing so I deny the very nature of who I am - who God created me to be. Giving brings me pleasure and in withholding it I cause my own unhappiness. God gives freely and generously to us with no requirement of recompense. Why are we unwilling to do the same?
Perhaps it’s time to examine our motives for giving. If they truly come from the heart then you have already received your reward. If they are done so out of obligation or for glory, your motives are impure. Ask God to change your heart: “Lord, help me to be a reflection of your perfect love and generosity in this world. Amen.”
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” – Hebrews 6:10
