If you had the opportunity to help someone, knowing you’d get nothing in return, would you still do it? Think about that for a moment. Imagine giving, and giving, and giving—never seeing a return on your investment. How would you feel?
Now, let’s shift that question. How many times has God poured into your life, given you gifts, talents, opportunities—only for you to hold back? To never give back, to never answer His call?
One morning, on my way to work, I was going up the escalator when I turned and spotted one of my coworkers at the bottom. I smiled. She smiled back. That was it. Nothing deep, just a passing moment.
Later that day, during my lunch break, I headed downstairs to the gym connected to my office. I often used that time to work out, and that day was no different. As I was lifting weights, I caught a glimpse of my coworker approaching through the mirror. She was smiling.
Immediately, I thought, I hope this conversation won’t be long—I need to finish my workout. But I shifted my mindset and prepared to listen.
She walked up to me and said, “Ron, you probably don’t know what’s going on with me, but my father is in the hospital, and I’ve been praying.”
I listened as she continued.
"When you smiled at me this morning, your smile was so powerful—it spoke louder than any words could have, and at that moment, God told me everything would be okay."
Then she turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, reflecting.
That moment changed me. It reminded me that sometimes, all a person needs is a small gesture—a kind word, a simple hello, a reminder that they’re not alone. We get so caught up in our own world that we forget to check on the people around us. When was the last time you reached out to someone just to see how they were doing? When was the last time someone did that for you?
For me, my circle is small, and to be honest, I often find myself checking on others more than they check on me. But I’ve learned that when no one else is around, God is always there. When I need to talk, He listens. When I’m struggling, He understands. The Bible tells us to cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). No matter how alone you feel, God sees you.
And sometimes, God will use a stranger to encourage you.
The Bible says we should be careful how we treat people because we may be entertaining angels without knowing it(Hebrews 13:2). Every encounter we have is an opportunity—to love, to give, to reflect the heart of God.
Think about this: God gave us everything. He gave us His Son, offering salvation to a world that didn’t deserve it. He gave us grace, freely pouring out mercy even when we fail. He gave us purpose, a plan for our lives that is greater than we can imagine. His Spirit guides us, His love sustains us, and every single morning, His mercies are new(Lamentations 3:22-23).
And yet, some people will never give anything back.
They won’t use the gifts He placed inside them. They won’t share their testimony. They won’t serve, they won’t love, they won’t forgive. They live their lives withholding what God freely gave them.
Imagine getting a zero percent return on your investment.
That’s what some people give to God. Nothing.
But here’s the good news: God still gives.
Even when we forget Him.
Even when we ignore Him.
Even when we take Him for granted.
That’s love.
Today, I challenge you to reflect on all that God has poured into your life. What gifts, talents, and opportunities has He given you? Are you using them to serve others and glorify Him, or are you holding back? God’s love is an investment in you, and He is calling you to invest that love into the world. Every small act of kindness, every moment you share His grace, can make a powerful difference.
God has placed you exactly where you are for a reason. You may not always see the return, but know this: your obedience to Him will never be in vain.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment or for everything to fall into place. The time is now. Step forward in faith, trusting that God will equip you for every good work. The world is waiting for your smile, your heart, your obedience. Will you answer His call and invest in others, just as God has invested in you?
Pray With Me
Lord, thank You for being patient with me, for calling me even when I ignored You. Forgive me for the times I’ve placed everything else above You. Today, I choose to answer Your call. I surrender my plans for Yours. I give You my gifts, my time, my heart—because You gave everything for me. Help me to love as You love, to give as You give, and to never take Your presence for granted. I trust You, and I say yes to all You have for me.
