Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Luke 14:12-14 NIV
When someone invites you to dinner, sends a card, or gives you a gift, do you feel the need to reciprocate? That seems to be a natural response and may even be expected by the giver. But Jesus encourages us to give, not just to those who can give back to us, but especially to those who cannot.
There is an important principle expressed here. When I give, I will be repaid. That repayment may take place in this life, either materially or in some form of recognition. But that repayment is temporary. It will not last beyond this lifetime.
But, Jesus says here, when I give to those who cannot repay me, my reward will instead occur at the resurrection of the righteous. It is a reward that will be eternal. How do I store treasures in heaven (Matt. 6:20)? By investing now in the lives of those who can give me nothing in return.
Be willing to be generous with those who have nothing to offer you in return. You do not lose by giving to them. Instead, it is a wise investment in your eternal future. The dividends are much greater than any earthly financial institution can offer.
