Luke 6:34

34 If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that's charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.

Luke 6:34 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 6:34

And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive
The same again, as from their brethren the Jews; or usury, as from the Gentiles:

what thank have ye?
and yet they looked upon this, in the first instance of it, as a very great kindness, and act of goodness, as appears from the above citation:

for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again;
or "what is equal", and answerable to what they have lent them; that is, the same, or what is equivalent to it.

Luke 6:34 In-Context

32 If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that.
33 If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that.
34 If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that's charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.
35 "I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never - I promise - regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst.
36 Our Father is kind; you be kind.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.