May 12 – Serving Without Expectation
Faith in Action – Love, Service & Godly Living
“9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
Galatians 6:9–10, KJV
When serving others, one might be tempted to expect an immediate reward.
But that’s not how it works—not always at any rate.
It may take a while to receive the reward for your good work, but as long as you do not faint along the way, a reward is on its way.
We are to do whatsoever we do as to the Lord:
“23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”
Colossians 3:23–24, KJV
If you have this mindset that you are working for the Lord, and not to men, you’re already doing well.
When you serve others, think of the both of you being there thanks to the Lord.
God takes it personally when we help others:
“34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
Matthew 25:34-40, KJV
This just means it isn’t really about us—it’s about Him who we serve.
And if you think in this manner, then loving and serving your enemies comes naturally to you.
As it is written:
“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.”
Luke 6:35, KJV
Our labour is never in vain in the Lord.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 15:58, KJV
Go and serve others.
Do not expect an immediate reward.
In due season you shall reap bountifully.
Do not give up.
Reflection Questions
Have I grown weary in doing good because I have not seen immediate results?
What expectations might I need to surrender to God?Do I truly work “as unto the Lord,” or am I discouraged when people fail to notice or appreciate my efforts?
How would my attitude change if I remembered that I am serving Christ Himself?Am I actively looking for opportunities to do good—especially to fellow believers?
What specific act of service can I commit to this week without expecting anything in return?
Example Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for reminding me that my labour in You is not in vain. When I grow tired or discouraged, help me to remember that You see every act of kindness and faithfulness.
Lord, guard my heart from weariness and bitterness. Teach me to serve wholeheartedly, not for praise or immediate reward, but as unto You. When gratitude does not come, remind me that I am serving Christ.
Give me strength to continue doing good, even when the harvest seems far away. Make me steadfast and unmovable in the work You have given me.
Open my eyes to opportunities to bless others—especially those in the household of faith. Help me to love generously, serve faithfully, and trust You for the reward in due season.
I place my efforts in Your hands. Help me not to faint, but to persevere with joy.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen.
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