Matthew’s Gospel records Jesus instructing his disciples, “You received without payment, give without payment” (Matthew 10:8). This emphasizes the nature of the blessings we receive, particularly the spiritual gifts bestowed upon us. The term “without payment” underscores the absence of any required exchange or transaction.
Whether we use the term “without payment” or “unconditional,” the underlying principle remains the same: when we attach conditions or expectations to what we offer, it ceases to be a genuine gift and instead becomes part of a bargain or an exchange.
God’s gifts – compassion, forgiveness, love, and reconciliation – often arrive when we feel least deserving. Yet, God’s nature is such that these gifts are never withheld. This unconditional giving stands in stark contrast to transactions based on merit or expectation.
Do the gifts we offer come with a hidden price tag or unspoken requirements for repayment? If so, this verse challenges us to reflect on the motivations behind our giving. True generosity, mirroring the divine example, flows freely and expects nothing in return. It’s a call to cultivate a spirit of unconditional giving, recognizing that what we have been given freely, we are called to share in the same spirit.
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