Luke 6:33 – “And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Jesus highlights that doing good only to those who treat you well isn’t impressive or commendable—it’s simply human nature. People naturally respond with kindness when others are kind to them, but that doesn’t reflect the kind of love that Jesus expects from His followers. The phrase “what credit is that to you?” implies that such behavior doesn’t distinguish believers from anyone else.
Jesus is teaching that true Christian goodness is demonstrated when we do good even to those who don’t deserve it—those who are unkind, selfish, or even hostile toward us. The point of this verse is that believers are called to go beyond the ordinary expectations of kindness and extend grace and love without expecting anything in return. This kind of goodness mirrors God’s nature, who shows love to both the just and the unjust.
Historical Context
In first-century Jewish culture, doing good deeds was often tied to ideas of reciprocity and honor. If someone did something kind for you, it was expected that you would return the favor. Social relationships were built on this mutual exchange, and failing to repay kindness could result in shame or loss of reputation.
Religious leaders also taught the importance of doing good within the community, particularly to fellow Jews. However, acts of kindness were often limited to those within one’s circle or those who could reciprocate in some way. Jesus’ teaching here directly challenges this mindset, calling for acts of goodness that extend beyond social obligations and personal benefit.
This radical teaching would have been difficult for Jesus’ audience to accept, as it redefined what it meant to live a life pleasing to God. Instead of focusing on reciprocity, Jesus emphasized selfless acts of love and generosity.
Theological Implications
This verse reflects a key aspect of Christian theology: grace. Grace is the idea that God gives good things to people who don’t deserve them, and Jesus calls His followers to live by this same principle. When believers do good without expecting anything in return, they demonstrate the grace that God has shown them.
Theologically, this teaching also emphasizes the difference between human morality and God’s standard of righteousness. Human morality often operates on a system of fairness—“I’ll be good to you if you’re good to me.” But God’s standard is much higher. He calls believers to do good even to those who mistreat them, reflecting His unconditional love and mercy.
This verse also highlights the idea that Christian goodness is motivated by obedience to God, not by the potential benefits it might bring. True goodness comes from a transformed heart, one that seeks to glorify God rather than gain approval or recognition from others.
Literary Analysis
The structure of this verse is similar to the previous verse (Luke 6:32), using a rhetorical question to challenge the audience’s understanding of what it means to be good. The phrase “what credit is that to you?” emphasizes that there is no spiritual reward or recognition for doing what comes naturally. Jesus is pointing out that even those outside the faith—referred to as “sinners”—can be kind when it benefits them.
The repetition of the phrase “even sinners do that” underscores the idea that Christians are called to live by a higher standard. The contrast between ordinary human behavior and the radical goodness that Jesus demands is central to the message of this verse.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 5:46 – “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?”
- Romans 12:20-21 – “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
- Luke 6:35 – “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.”
- 1 Peter 2:20 – “But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.”
- Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a call to selfless and sacrificial goodness. It challenges believers to examine their motives for doing good. Are they helping others only when it’s convenient or when there’s a chance of receiving something in return? Or are they willing to do good even when it costs them time, resources, or comfort?
This verse encourages believers to go beyond the world’s definition of kindness. Instead of simply being nice to people who are nice to them, they are called to show kindness to strangers, enemies, and those who may never be able to repay them. This kind of goodness is a testimony to the transforming power of God’s grace.
The verse also reminds Christians that doing good is not about earning salvation or recognition—it’s about reflecting God’s character. When believers do good without expecting anything in return, they demonstrate their trust in God to provide for their needs and reward their faithfulness.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is at the heart of this verse. God doesn’t show kindness to people because they deserve it—He blesses them because of His grace. Matthew 5:45 says that God “causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” His love is not limited by human standards, and He calls His followers to love in the same way.
God’s love is also seen in His patience and mercy. Even when people reject Him or fail to acknowledge His goodness, He continues to provide for them and show kindness. This verse is an invitation for believers to participate in God’s work of grace by extending that same love and goodness to others.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the perfect example of doing good without expecting anything in return. Throughout His ministry, He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and forgave sinners, even when they didn’t express gratitude or show any signs of repentance. He served others selflessly, never seeking recognition or personal gain.
The ultimate expression of Jesus’ selfless goodness is seen on the cross. He gave His life for humanity, knowing that many would reject Him or fail to appreciate His sacrifice. His love wasn’t based on people’s worthiness but on His commitment to God’s plan of salvation. By following Jesus’ example, believers can demonstrate the same kind of love and goodness in their daily lives.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there times when you’ve done good for others expecting something in return? How can you shift your focus to selfless giving?
- How can you show kindness to someone who may never be able to repay you or acknowledge your efforts?
- What does this verse teach you about the difference between human goodness and the goodness that comes from God?
- How can you rely on God’s grace to help you do good, even when it’s inconvenient or difficult?
- In what ways does Jesus’ example of selfless love inspire you to live out this teaching in your own life?