The other day I received a thank you note from one of my students. It felt so good to be appreciated!

But what about when we feel like we are doing, doing, doing, and getting nothing in return?

Martin Luther, one of the greatest theologians of all times, has some insight into this. He writes about the incredible fact that we, sinful humanity, have been freely given the gift of faith, without having to do a single thing to earn it. “Why should I not therefore freely, joyfully, with all my heart, and with an eager will do all things which I know are pleasing and acceptable to such a Father who has overwhelmed me with his inestimable riches? I will therefore give myself as a Christ to my neighbor, just as Christ offered himself to me.” 

Luther’s love and compassion for the people in his church led to the Protestant Reformation. He felt so much sorrow watching them suffer injustices that he was willing to put his own life on the line in order to stand up for them. His gratitude toward God resulted in a complete unconditional giving of love to others, regardless of the outcome.  

“For a man does not serve that he may put men under obligations,” he reminds us. “He does not distinguish between friends and enemies or anticipate their thankfulness or unthankfulness, but he most freely and most willingly spends himself and all that he has, whether on the thankless or whether he gains a reward.”

Am I willing to give of myself in this way? It’s easy to give when we receive appreciation or acknowledgement. But Christ wasn’t worried about receiving accolades. He didn’t give of Himself in order to receive anything in return. He just gave His life, regardless of the fact that the benefactors of His gift often appreciate it so very little. 

God, help me to appreciate your free gift so much that your love pours from me freely and joyfully. Help me to love and serve others without concern for what I will get in return, but only out of deep gratitude for your graciousness to me.
“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”  Galatians 5:6