Have you ever gone out of your way to do good and help others, only to be overlooked or forgotten? Maybe at some later date, they mention the experience in front of you, and it becomes evident that your efforts or possibly even your presence were completely missing from their memory, maybe even credited to someone else? This type of thing happens, especially in high-stress situations, or maybe you’re so close to them that their minds simply categorize your presence, words, and efforts differently from others.

Does it matter whether our efforts, presence, words, or gifts in a situation are credited to us?  Is praise and credit why we do things for others?  

I don’t believe credit or reward is why followers of Christ strive to do good for others, or even because we are commanded to do good, but rather because we want to, it’s in our hearts to do good, because we love Others as Christ loves us.

 When we do good, it’s not about us. It’s about them!

While our efforts being credited to someone else can be discouraging, if it does happen, know this, it’s unintentional and can occur in both high- and low-stress situations.

One of my favorite Scriptures states:

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith”.  Galatians 6:9-10

  • Getting Credit doesn’t matter.
  • Being forgotten doesn’t matter.
  • Even a thank-you may be overlooked.

What does matter?

  • Sharing God’s Word by example
  • Continuing to do good
  • Showing love
  • To the glory of God, you were there for them

Jesus tells us: “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:3-4         

 God First!