When my husband and I were first married, I wanted him to take note of every perfect piece of homemaking I accomplished: vacuuming, washing dishes, cooking a good dinner. We would joke with our church small group about how we all wanted a standing ovation for doing chores. And that’s from people we love.

Jesus takes it much further than doing good things for those who might applaud. It’s like he’s asking us to go vacuum our angry neighbor’s house for them. You know the one—the neighbor who calls the police to report that your dog is barking too much. Or the one who told you to replace those ugly shrubs.

Not only is Jesus saying to do good, but he’s telling us not to expect repayment, not even a thank you. Imagine for a minute that you pop over to Angry Neighbor while they’re raking and help out. I’m betting more than one heart would be softened.