The Bible teaches generosity, even toward those who may not appreciate it. God’s love is given freely, and the Bible encourages believers to give with a kind heart, trusting in God’s reward.
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What Does The Bible Say About Giving To The Ungrateful
Luke 6:35
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”
This verse reminds us that as followers of Christ, we are called to show love and kindness even to those who are ungrateful. We should give generously without expecting anything in return, just as God does. By doing so, we reflect God’s character and are promised a great reward from Him.
This verse challenges us to go beyond our natural inclinations and demonstrate the radical love of Christ to those who may not appreciate or acknowledge our acts of kindness. It reminds us that our ultimate example is the heavenly Father, who continues to extend His kindness to all, regardless of their gratitude or wickedness.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
This verse emphasizes that when we give to the ungrateful and needy, we are actually lending to the Lord Himself. It is an act of worship and obedience to God. The promise is that God will reward our kindness because He sees and values every act of compassion and generosity we extend to others.
By giving to the ungrateful, we align ourselves with God’s heart for the poor and demonstrate His love in action. We can trust that our giving is not in vain but will be honored by the One to whom it ultimately belongs. Our generosity is an investment in God’s kingdom, and He faithfully multiplies it for His purposes.
Matthew 5:42
“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
Jesus teaches us in this verse to be willing to give to anyone who asks, without judgment or reservation. He encourages us to resist the inclination to turn away from those who may seem ungrateful or undeserving. Instead, we are called to demonstrate kindness and charity towards them.
While it may be tempting to only give to those we deem deserving or grateful, this verse challenges us to extend our generosity without discrimination. It is an act of faith that trusts God to use our giving for His purposes, whether or not the recipient responds with gratitude or appreciation.
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
This verse encourages us to persevere in doing good, even when faced with ingratitude or discouragement. It reminds us that our acts of kindness are not in vain but will yield a harvest of blessings in due time.
When giving to the ungrateful, it is easy to become disheartened or weary. However, this verse urges us to press on and continue to do good, trusting in God’s faithfulness and His promise of reward. Our perseverance in kindness reflects our commitment to following Christ and demonstrates the transformative power of His love.
Proverbs 11:24-25
“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
This verse highlights the principle of sowing and reaping. When we give freely, even to the ungrateful, we position ourselves for greater abundance and blessings from God. Conversely, when we withhold unnecessarily or act stingily, we limit our own provision and blessings.
By being generous and refreshing others through our giving, we align ourselves with God’s economy of abundance. Our selfless acts of giving not only bless the recipient but also invite God’s provision and refreshment into our own lives. It is a beautiful cycle of blessing that transcends the ungratefulness encountered along the way.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of generosity, especially towards those who may be ungrateful. It condemns a despising attitude towards our neighbors but instead encourages us to be generous towards the poor and those in need.
Choosing to give to the ungrateful is an act of righteousness and demonstrates a heart aligned with God’s values. It brings blessings not only to the recipients but also to the giver. Our generosity reflects the character of God and opens the door for His favor and blessing in our lives.
Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Paul’s words in this verse remind us of the words of Jesus, that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Our giving to the ungrateful extends beyond mere material provision; it is an opportunity for us to experience the true joy and blessing that comes from selflessly helping the weak and vulnerable.
When we give to the ungrateful, we imitate Christ Himself, who gave sacrificially for our sake. We reflect His love and compassion, experiencing the blessings that come from living a life marked by generosity and selflessness.
Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
This verse emphasizes the connection between generosity and blessings. When we give to the ungrateful and share our provisions with the poor, we position ourselves to receive blessings from God.
Generosity is not only an act of compassion but also an act of faith. It is an acknowledgment that God is the ultimate provider, and as we share what we have with others, He will faithfully meet our own needs. The blessings we receive may come in various forms, but they are sure to follow a lifestyle marked by generosity and care for the ungrateful.
Hebrews 13:16
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
This verse encourages us to actively engage in doing good and sharing with others, including the ungrateful. Our acts of kindness and generosity are seen as sacrifices that please God and are aligned with His heart.
By giving to the ungrateful, we participate in God’s redemptive work in the world and reflect His selfless nature. We offer our resources, time, and love as offerings to God, knowing that He delights in our generosity and acts of service towards others.
Luke 14:13-14
“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
In this passage, Jesus encourages us to extend our generosity towards those who cannot repay us, including the ungrateful. When we invite the marginalized and vulnerable into our lives and bless them, we position ourselves for divine blessings and rewards.
Our giving should extend beyond expectations of reciprocation or recognition in this life. By generously giving to the ungrateful and those in need, we store up treasures in heaven and will experience the eternal reward that God promises to the faithful.
Proverbs 28:27
“Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.”
This verse highlights the consequences of generosity versus selfishness. Those who give to the poor, even if they are ungrateful, will lack nothing and experience God’s provision. Conversely, those who turn a blind eye to the needs of others bring curses upon themselves.
To withhold our kindness and resources from the ungrateful is to miss out on the abundant blessings that come from partnering with God’s heart for the poor. Our acts of giving affirm our faith in God’s provision and reflect a heart of compassion that God delights in.
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
In this verse, we are reminded that our giving should come from a heart that is willing and joyful, rather than reluctantly or begrudgingly. Giving to the ungrateful should be done with a spirit of joy and surrender to God’s leading.
When we give willingly and cheerfully, we align our hearts with God’s heart of generosity. It is an act of worship and obedience, expressing gratitude for all that God has given us. Our cheerful giving to the ungrateful not only blesses them but also brings joy and fulfillment to our own lives.
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
This verse reiterates the principle that generosity leads to prosperity. When we refresh others, including the ungrateful, through our acts of giving and kindness, we position ourselves to be refreshed by God.
Our generosity is not in vain or futile, even if it goes unnoticed or unappreciated. God sees and honors every act of selflessness, and He promises to pour out His blessings on those who choose to live with open hands. By refreshing others, we invite God’s refreshment and abundance into our own lives.
Proverbs 3:27
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of not withholding good from those who deserve it, even if they are ungrateful. We are called to use our resources and influence to bless others when it is within our ability to do so.
Our call to give to the ungrateful is not limited to material possessions alone but extends to acts of kindness, compassion, and encouragement. By seizing opportunities to do good, we actively participate in God’s work and demonstrate His love to a hurting and ungrateful world.
Matthew 25:35-40
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
In these verses, Jesus reveals that when we give to the ungrateful and meet the needs of the marginalized, we are actually doing it unto Him. Our acts of kindness towards the ungrateful become opportunities to minister to Jesus Himself.
By providing for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of others, including the ungrateful, we demonstrate our love for Christ and our obedience to His commandments. We have the privilege of encountering Christ in the midst of our giving and experiencing His presence and blessing in a tangible way.
Proverbs 28:8
“Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.”
This verse serves as a reminder that ill-gotten gain and exploitation of the poor ultimately lead to loss, while kindness towards the poor and ungrateful leads to blessings.
Our acts of giving should be motivated by genuine care and compassion, rather than personal gain or exploitation. When we prioritize kindness towards the poor, God multiplies our resources and ensures that our generosity benefits not only the recipient but also ourselves and others in need.
Matthew 10:42
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
This verse reassures us that even the smallest act of kindness towards the ungrateful, such as offering a cup of cold water, will not go unnoticed or unrewarded by God.
Our acts of giving and hospitality, no matter how seemingly insignificant, hold great value in God’s eyes. When we extend love and generosity to the ungrateful, we participate in God’s kingdom work and are assured of receiving a reward from Him, both now and in eternity.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
This verse emphasizes that when we give to the ungrateful and needy, we are actually lending to the Lord Himself. It is an act of worship and obedience to God. The promise is that God will reward our kindness because He sees and values every act of compassion and generosity we extend to others.
By giving to the ungrateful, we align ourselves with God’s heart for the poor and demonstrate His love in action. We can trust that our giving is not in vain but will be honored by the One to whom it ultimately belongs. Our generosity is an investment in God’s kingdom, and He faithfully multiplies it for His purposes.
Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
This verse emphasizes the connection between generosity and blessings. When we share our resources with the ungrateful, we position ourselves to receive God’s abundant blessings in return.
Our provisions are not meant to be hoarded but rather shared with those in need, regardless of their gratitude. In doing so, we open ourselves to God’s favor and provision, as He honors and rewards the generous heart. Our giving becomes a channel for God’s blessings to flow through us and touch the lives of others.
1 Timothy 6:18-19
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
This passage encourages believers to prioritize good deeds, generosity, and sharing. By giving to the ungrateful, we store up eternal treasure and build a firm foundation for the life to come.
Our focus should not be solely on earthly possessions or personal gain but on investing in the things of God that have eternal significance. When we are willing to share with the ungrateful and prioritize acts of kindness, we discover the life that is truly fulfilling and abundant, both in the present and for eternity.
Proverbs 14:31
“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
This verse reveals the spiritual significance of our treatment of the poor and ungrateful. When we show contempt or oppression towards the needy, we disrespect and dishonor the God who created them.
On the other hand, when we choose to extend kindness, compassion, and generosity towards the ungrateful, we honor and glorify God. Our actions become a tangible expression of our love for Him and our commitment to His kingdom values. By valuing and caring for the needy, we reflect the heart of our loving Creator.
Matthew 6:3-4
“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. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
In these verses, Jesus teaches us about the importance of giving in secret and without seeking attention or recognition. Our giving to the ungrateful should be done with humility and a desire to honor God alone.
When our acts of generosity are hidden from the eyes of others, they become authentic expressions of love and selflessness. By forgoing personal acknowledgement, we create space for God to reward our acts of giving in ways that exceed earthly recognition and acclaim. Our ultimate fulfillment comes from knowing that we have pleased our Heavenly Father.
Proverbs 11:24-25
“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
This verse highlights the principle of sowing and reaping. When we give freely, even to the ungrateful, we position ourselves for greater abundance and blessings from God. Conversely, when we withhold unnecessarily or act stingily, we limit our own provision and blessings.
By being generous and refreshing others through our giving, we align ourselves with God’s economy of abundance. Our selfless acts of giving not only bless the recipient but also invite God’s provision and refreshment into our own lives. It is a beautiful cycle of blessing that transcends the ungratefulness encountered along the way.
Isaiah 58:10-11
“And if you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”
In this passage, God promises abundant blessings and guidance to those who spend themselves on behalf of the needy, including the ungrateful. When we prioritize meeting the needs of others, our lives become beacons of light and sources of refreshment.
God delights in those who selflessly care for the marginalized and offers His guidance and provision to sustain them. Our acts of generosity and kindness towards the ungrateful position us to experience His abundant provision, strength, and satisfaction. Our lives become sources of refreshment to a world in need, mirroring the unfailing waters of a well-watered garden.