Deeply devoted Christians never expect these 5 things in return

Deep devotion to Christ often looks different from what the world expects. When our hearts are set on Jesus, certain assumptions and entitlements simply fall away.

Over the years, I’ve observed that followers of Christ who deepen their relationship with Him don’t cling to the same expectations they might have held earlier in their faith journey.

This realization has shaped my own walk profoundly, reminding me daily why I want to remain firmly rooted in God’s Word rather than the shifting values around me.

Below are five things deeply devoted Christians never anticipate receiving back. These points come from my personal reflections and Scriptural truths I’ve explored during my years of studying the Bible.

I invite you to consider them and see how they might shape your own perspective on love, service, and discipleship.

1. Applause or spotlight

Growing up, I found it natural to want recognition. In school, it felt good to hear, “Great job!” whenever I did something well. Even in ministry settings, it’s easy to crave a pat on the back.

But I’ve learned that truly devoted believers focus more on pleasing God than seeking approval from the crowd.

One verse that continues to humble me is Matthew 6:1, where Jesus warns against performing righteous acts just to be seen by others.

He teaches that if we do things for human applause, we’ve already received our reward. The deeper path calls us to do good—volunteering at church, helping a neighbor, or offering a listening ear—simply because we desire to reflect God’s love.

A few habits help keep my heart on track:

• Pray for humility before serving or teaching.
• Refuse the urge to compare my efforts with others.
• Deliberately shift praise to God when someone credits me for a success.

I think of times I’ve led Bible study and seen wonderful breakthroughs in group discussions. The temptation arises to think, “Look at what I accomplished!”

But I try to pause and remember that it’s the Holy Spirit who opens hearts. Any applause should be directed upward, not toward me.

2. Quick fixes or instant blessings

It’s tempting to believe that living a faithful Christian life guarantees immediate results—health, career success, or even emotional satisfaction.

But those who grow deeper in their relationship with Christ often discover that genuine faith involves waiting on God’s timing.

I recall seasons in my life when I prayed and hoped that a door would fly open right away. Instead, there were times of waiting, unanswered questions, and deeper trust being formed.

A favorite verse of mine is Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles…”

This promise doesn’t say that strength comes instantly. The imagery of soaring on eagles’ wings suggests God’s power at work, often in ways we don’t see behind the scenes.

Last year, our family faced a financial setback.

My first impulse was to pray for immediate deliverance. In the end, we received help but not in the manner I initially imagined.

Waiting allowed my husband, Daniel, and me to re-evaluate our priorities, budget more responsibly, and grow in faith. In the end, we learned that God’s faithfulness is steady—even if the blessings aren’t instant.

When deep believers pray, they understand they might not see the answer tomorrow. They stand on promises like Romans 8:28, trusting that in all things, God is working for the good of those who love Him.

That good might unfold slowly, refining our patience and perseverance.

3. Reciprocal acts of kindness

We live in a world that often says, “I did this for you, now you owe me.”

But the more I immerse myself in Scripture, the clearer it becomes that love is offered without strings attached. Consider Luke 6:35, where Jesus tells us to love our enemies and expect nothing in return.

This instruction challenges me every time. It’s radically different from the norm.

In daily life, it’s not just about enemies—it’s friends, coworkers, or family members. I’ve had times when I helped someone, and they responded with criticism or ingratitude.

It hurt.

Yet, Jesus modeled unconditional love, even as He was being crucified, asking God to forgive those who put Him on the cross (Luke 23:34).

I remind myself that when I extend kindness, whether it’s cooking a meal for a sick neighbor or offering someone a ride to church, I do it to reflect Jesus.

There’s joy in simply being obedient.

Even if the other person never says thank you or repays the favor, God sees and values that act of love.

Here are some practical ways I’ve tried to cultivate an attitude of giving freely:

• Give anonymously when possible, so there’s less temptation to seek recognition.
• Pray a blessing over the person receiving help, instead of replaying thoughts of how they “should” respond.
• Keep a gratitude journal to celebrate the privilege of being able to serve someone.

4. A conflict-free life

I used to assume that being a serious Christian would shield me from major conflicts.

If I followed Jesus faithfully, I’d keep my relationships in harmony. But I’ve learned that conflict is simply a part of living in a broken world.

Deeply devoted believers don’t expect a conflict-free journey. Instead, they rely on the Holy Spirit to guide them in times of tension.

Jesus Himself warned in John 16:33 that we would face tribulations, but He also said, “Take heart, I have overcome the world.”

Followers of Christ are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), yet that doesn’t imply the absence of disagreement. It involves actively working toward resolution, speaking truth in love, and maintaining a posture of forgiveness.

When conflicts do arise in my life—be it a misunderstanding with my teenage son Caleb, or a difference of opinion with a fellow ministry leader—I try to lean on God’s wisdom.

Proverbs 15:1 reminds me that a gentle answer can defuse anger.

I’ve found that devoting time to prayer before sending that text or email can transform my attitude.

You might have read my post on handling conflict biblically, where I shared examples from my own marriage and friendships.

It’s a testament to God’s grace that conflict can lead to deeper understanding when approached with humility.

So, while deep devotion to Christ doesn’t guarantee easy relationships, it offers a pathway to growing in patience, kindness, and reconciliation.

5. Favorable treatment from everyone

Although many believers are known for their love and generosity, not everyone will respond positively to our faith.

Deeply devoted Christians recognize that following Jesus might bring misunderstandings, criticism, or outright rejection.

That reality is reflected in John 15:18-19, where Jesus speaks of the world hating His followers because they belong to Him.

It can be tough. Early in my faith journey, I assumed that as long as I was kind and honest, people would reciprocate.

But over time, I realized that sharing truth—even with compassion—can stir opposition. Remaining faithful to biblical convictions sometimes sets us apart from the mainstream.

There have been instances where neighbors or casual acquaintances misunderstood my passion for ministry or saw it as judgmental, even when I did my best to reflect gentleness.

Still, as I grow in devotion, my goal shifts from pleasing everyone to pleasing the One who called me. Approval from society will always be fleeting.

A favorite verse is Galatians 1:10, which challenges me to ask whether I’m seeking the favor of people or of God. This perspective helps me endure uncomfortable situations, trusting that God’s opinion matters most.

Below are a few practical encouragements for when you face pushback:

• Pray for a softened heart toward those who misunderstand you.
• Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom on when to speak and when to remain silent.
• Focus on living out God’s truth graciously, rather than forcing others to adopt your viewpoint.

Closing Thoughts

Living with a deep devotion to Christ changes our expectations.

We don’t anticipate that life will be free from conflicts, instant rewards, or universal applause.

Instead, we look to Jesus as our example of selfless love, patient trust, and unwavering commitment to doing His Father’s will.

As I reflect on my own faith journey, I see that releasing these earthly expectations frees me to serve wholeheartedly, love without reservation, and endure challenges with confidence that God’s presence is near.

Here are a few questions I ask myself whenever I sense my heart becoming resentful or disillusioned:

• Am I doing this to bring glory to God or to receive praise from others?
• Has impatience led me to forget that God’s timing is perfect?
• Am I loving unconditionally, or am I secretly hoping for a return on my kindness?
• Have I come to expect an easy path instead of leaning on God’s strength in trials?
• Is my desire for human acceptance overshadowing my desire to honor God?

Faithful discipleship means giving our all without clutching onto these five expectations.