Luke 6:33

And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

Luke 6:33 (KJV)

Context

Luke 6:33 is part of the Sermon on the Plain, where Jesus teaches His disciples and a large crowd about the principles of God’s kingdom. The verse directly follows a parallel statement about loving only those who love you (Luke 6:32) and is followed by a statement about lending only to those from whom you expect to receive (Luke 6:34). Together, these verses form a threefold challenge to move beyond the reciprocal standards that are natural to fallen humanity.

Meaning

Jesus states that if you do good to those who do good to you, it is not exceptional. Even sinners—those who do not follow God’s ways—can do the same. The Greek term translated as “thank” (charis) can also be understood as “grace” or “credit,” indicating that such reciprocal behavior carries no special spiritual merit or reward. This kind of mutual kindness is found even among the worst of people, so no one should conclude they are righteous or better than sinners simply because they are kind to those who are kind to them.

Jesus’ words are a call to a higher level of love and generosity. He encourages His disciples and all believers to move beyond the natural inclination of only reciprocating kindness to those who are kind to them. Instead, they are to display love and kindness to others, even those who may not reciprocate or deserve it. This verse reveals an important aspect of Christian love: it is unconditional and sacrificial. Christians are called to imitate the love of God, who shows kindness and grace to all, regardless of whether they deserve it or not. It is this selfless love that sets believers apart and reflects the character of God.

Jesus also prompts His listeners to consider the motivation behind their actions. If they only do good to those who do good to them, they may seek recognition or some form of repayment. However, as followers of Christ, the motivation for doing good should be rooted in gratitude to God and a desire to reflect His character.

Biblical connections

The immediate context culminates in Luke 6:35, where Jesus commands His followers to love their enemies, do good, and lend expecting nothing in return, promising that their reward will be great and that they will be sons of the Most High, who is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. This verse challenges the common ethical principle of reciprocity and calls for a distinctively gracious lifestyle.

Application

Luke 6:33 challenges us to examine our hearts and actions. Are we limiting our kindness and love only to those who treat us well? Or are we willing to extend grace and compassion to all, even those who may mistreat or harm us? As followers of Jesus, we are called to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who mistreat us (Luke 6:27-28). This verse encourages us to break free from the natural inclination to seek personal gain and instead display the transformative power of Christ’s love.

Reflection

Consider your own patterns of kindness. Do you only do good to those who can return the favor? Jesus calls us to a higher standard—one that reflects the generous, unconditional love of God. Let this verse prompt you to extend grace to someone today who cannot repay you, trusting that your reward comes from the Father who sees in secret.