Christian Devotional – December 21, 2017

What if no one ever recognizes what you do? For most of us, we thrive on the positive feedback from others. We desire and tell ourselves that we need to feel that we are making a difference and the only way to prove that is through the feedback or recognition of those around us. So what happens if you don’t get that? Read Luke 6:20-49, and check out verse 35.

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.
Luke 6:35 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.6.35.NASB

I’ve certainly heard the idea of love your enemies and being kind to evil people, but I have not thought about the ungrateful people. It can be very difficult to continue to take care of and support those that do not seem to appreciate your efforts. Yet, it says that He is kind,, not just to evil men, but to the ungrateful ones as well.

We must remember that we do what we do for Christ and for Him alone. We walk through difficult and ugly situations, not for earthly praise and thanks, but because we are showing our Heavenly Father that we love Him. Where ever or whomever we desire praise and recognition from, that is our god. If we want it from friends, family, coworkers, or bosses more than we want it from our Heavenly Father, then we have placed those people above Him in our lives. Focus on doing what we know to be right, even (and especially) when we get nothing in return from those around us.