Stop Before the “But”

Note: On Tuesdays, you can find me at Your Daily Tripod, owned by my friend TonyD. A longer version of the post below appears there.

“For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?7 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?” (Matthew 5:46-47, NRSVCE)

Don’t expect a pat on the back or a big “atta-girl” or “atta-boy” from the Lord because you sacrifice for a b...