Without Expectation of Something in Return

To help others is the path of discipleship. Faith, hope, love, compassion, and service refine us as disciples.

Through your efforts to help the poor and the needy, to reach out to those in distress, your own character is purified and forged, your spirit is enlarged, and you walk a little taller.

But this love cannot come with expectations of repayment. It cannot be the kind of service that expects recognition, adulation, or favor.

True disciples of Jesus Christ love God and His children without expectation of something in return. We love those who disappoint us, who don’t like us. Even those who ridicule, abuse, and seek to hurt us.

When you fill your hearts with the pure love of Christ, you leave no room for rancor, judgment, and shaming. You keep God’s commandments because you love Him. In the process, you slowly become more Christlike in your thoughts and deeds.

By Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Your Great Adventure

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A common principle in Hinduism is to detach ourselves from the fruits of our actions. We can only control our actions—not their outcomes.

Lord Krishna instructs Arjuna, “The act of giving without expecting anything in return, but with a good purpose is sattvic (pure & virtuous) charity.”  Bhagavad Gita (17:20-22)

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– Tom Irvine

 

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