How Do You Treat People Who Can Do Nothing for You in Return?

Think about a time you did something for someone and expected absolutely nothing in return. Maybe it was something big, or maybe it was so small you didn't think twice about it, but you remember their reaction, the smile, the surprise, maybe even happy tears.

There's just something about knowing you made someone's day just a little bit brighter, or simply reminded them that somebody cared. There really is no greater reward than bringing joy to someone else.

Most of us have been that person at some point. Even the grinchiest Grinch has probably done something for somebody and felt good simply because it made them happy. So yes, we know we're capable of giving without asking, what's in this for me?

But are we that person all the time?

What about the relationships where our motives aren't quite as selfless? The people we suddenly find more interesting once we learn what they do, who they know, or what they might be able to do for us? Because their value didn't change, only what we thought we could get from them did.

On the flip side, what about the person who has no connections or nothing to offer us? Is that the person we never think to invite to lunch or coffee? Do we make the same effort to get to know them? Are we as willing to help them or include them when they have nothing to offer us in return?

What Does This Say About Our Hearts?

James gives us a pretty clear example of this in James 2:1–4. Two people walk into a gathering, one wearing expensive clothes and the other in poor clothes. The person who appears to have money is given special attention and offered a good seat, while the poor person is treated differently.

Different people receiving different treatment, based simply on what was seen on the outside.

James calls it favoritism and takes it a step further by asking whether they had become judges with “evil thoughts.”

Sometimes our thinking can be stinking. We may never say out loud, this person is more valuable to me because of what they have, who they know, or what they can do for me, but our actions often speak louder than any words we could ever speak.

James 2 is a real heart check. It's not about being a kind person. It's about whether our kindness changes depending on who is standing in front of us.

Motives matter! Are we genuinely interested in people, or are we sometimes more interested in what comes with knowing them?

We Always Have a Choice

The good news is that it's a heart check, not a life sentence. So when we recognize a little selfishness, favoritism, or stinking thinking in ourselves, we can choose to do what's right.

Invite that person who wouldn't normally make the list to lunch. And when there is absolutely nothing to gain, make the call, start a conversation, or just make someone feel seen.

Everyone is worthy of our kindness, regardless of their bank balance or status.

In Matthew 25:40, Jesus reminds us just how much the way we treat others matters. “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Maybe that's something to remember the next time we're deciding who gets our time or kindness. The person may have nothing to offer us, but that never makes them worth less.

Sometimes being a blessing to someone else really is reward enough.