I live close to my workplace—just a short 1.5 km away. Ideally, I should be walking to work every day for much-needed exercise. But more often than not, I find myself running late, and so I end up taking an auto rickshaw for that brief journey. As most auto drivers aren’t keen on such short trips (there’s not much profit in it for them), I began offering them more than the usual fare to ensure they would agree. Over time, this made me their “preferred” customer. They started recognising me, and I didn’t even have to mention my destination. I could simply hop in, and off we would go.
I convinced myself that I was being generous. After all, the auto drivers don’t earn much, and my extra payment could make a slight difference for them. But I also began to realise that I was reaping a reward for my generosity in this arrangement. My reason for paying more was not purely altruistic—I wanted a favour in return, a guarantee of good service whenever I needed it.
I told myself that this extra money wouldn’t harm my finances, and as Christians, we’re encouraged to be generous, right? But is this really the type of generosity that’s expected of us? Was I truly giving selflessly, or was I offering something in exchange for future benefits? Does this giving align with Biblical generosity? Luke 6:35 says,
“But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return.”
The Bible teaches us not to expect anything back—even when we lend. Our generosity should not be driven by a desire for something in return. Giving with expectations blurs the line between generosity and a transaction—almost like a bribe. Scripture urges us to give freely and without sparing (Proverbs 21:26) to anyone who asks (Matthew 5:42) and to do so with a cheerful heart (2 Corinthians 9:7). We are reminded in Luke 6:30 not to demand back anything that is taken from us, not even when it’s unfair.
As I reflected on this, another verse came to mind that deeply challenged my understanding of generosity. Leviticus 23:22 says,
“And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.”
Gleaning was a practice where the poor and foreigners could go into a harvested field and pick up any leftover crops. God commanded the Israelites to intentionally leave parts of their harvest behind for others to gather, even though it meant sacrificing some of their hard-earned produce. This wasn’t a suggestion—it was a law given to all, rich and poor alike. The purpose was not to gain credit or recognition but to ensure that those in need had the opportunity to receive. This kind of generosity required sacrifice and selflessness—giving without the expectation of receiving anything back.
What might “do not glean” mean for us today?
Do not take all the credit: Whether you're a team leader, a project manager, or in a position of responsibility, don’t claim all the success as your own—even if you did most of the work. Acknowledge the efforts of the entire team, especially those who may need recognition the most. Lift up others and give them the spotlight.
Give selflessly: Generosity doesn’t always mean giving from abundance. Sometimes, it means offering something small when resources are limited. You could donate anonymously to a cause, even if it’s a modest amount. It could mean ensuring that your employees get their bonuses, even if it strains your finances, or sharing what little you have with others in need—like providing a snack or a useful item to someone who works for you.
Expect nothing in return: True generosity comes without expecting anything in return. Don’t choose where you give based on what you’ll get back—whether that’s a tax rebate, recognition, or even thanks. Donate or help others simply because it’s needed and because it aligns with your values. Do good not only for those who can’t repay you but also for those who may never return the favour.
Luke 6:38 reminds us, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” When we give generously and without expecting anything in return, God’s blessing flows back to us in ways we can’t imagine. But it’s the measure of our giving that determines the measure we receive. If our generosity is rooted in selflessness and sacrifice, we can trust that God will honour it.
The real challenge for me and all of us is to examine our motivations. Are we giving in order to gain favour or recognition, or are we giving because it’s the right thing to do, without any expectation of return? True Biblical generosity asks us to give with a pure heart—sacrificially, selflessly, and joyfully. As I reflect on this, I feel convicted to rethink my approach to generosity. It’s a reminder to check my motives and to give in ways that reflect God’s love and grace—not for personal gain, but to bless others without seeking anything in return.
Photo by Mary Jane Duford on Unsplash
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Wonderful article Debi. God bless you.
Yes indeed, our motive for giving should purely be free helping, nothing else.