2 Corinthians 9:7 tells us that God loves a cheerful giver and not to give reluctantly or in response to pressure. Giving isn’t referring only to money. We may give of our time, investing in people. We may also give using our gifts for the common good. 

No matter what we give or how we give, we do it for the good of our neighbor (1 Corinthians 10:24). We do it out of overflowing gratitude for what Christ has done for us, demonstrating we are disciples of Jesus by the love we show others. 

However, we must be careful of our motives. Our desire should be to please God, not to please man nor to feed our ego. 

“A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.” (Proverbs 21:2) 

Doing the right thing for the wrong reason isn’t very rewarding. However, doing the right thing for the right reason and out of love has great rewards. We are to serve wholeheartedly; the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do (Ephesians 6:7-8) for there will be glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good (Romans 2:10). 

Paul encourages us in Colossians 3:24 with these words, “Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” There can be no better reward for holding fast to an audience of One!