In the Bible, a reward often refers to a recompense given by God for one’s faithfulness, good deeds, or obedience, reflecting divine justice and grace. It is depicted as both spiritual blessings in the present life and eternal life in the age to come (Matthew 5:12, Revelation 22:12).
Scripture
1 After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”
2 But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?”
3 And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.”
4 And behold, the word of the Lord came to him: “This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir.”
5 And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
6 And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.
Biblical Meaning of Reward
The broader meaning of reward in the Bible transcends mere transactional recompense; it embodies a deep relationship between God and humanity rooted in faith, obedience, and love. Rewards are often portrayed as manifestations of God’s grace and mercy, highlighting the transformative nature of faithfulness. For instance, Jesus encourages His followers in Matthew 6:19-20 to lay up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, emphasizing that rewards are ultimately spiritual rather than material. This illustrates that the pursuit of a relationship with God and living out His commandments yields eternal benefits that far surpass earthly gains.
Moreover, the Bible also speaks of rewards as a source of motivation for believers to persevere in righteousness. Hebrews 11:6 affirms that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him, reinforcing the idea that faithfulness is recognized, not just by the world but by the divine. Furthermore, the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) reinforces that the faithful management of one’s God-given gifts results in a greater share of joy in God’s kingdom. Ultimately, the biblical concept of reward is intertwined with the notions of stewardship, perseverance, and the hope of eternal life, underscoring that true reward lies in a life devoted to God and aligned with His purposes.
In addition to the concept of reward as a spiritual benefit, the Bible emphasizes the idea that rewards serve to encourage moral integrity and ethical behavior among believers. The Scriptures often remind the faithful that their actions, conducted in accordance with God’s will, do not go unnoticed. For instance, in James 1:12, it is declared, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” This indicates that enduring challenges with steadfast faith results not only in divine acknowledgment but in a crowning reward—symbolizing honor in the heavenly realm for those who prioritize love for God over transient difficulties.
Further illustrating this principle is the notion of rewards extending to communal and intergenerational dimensions. In Proverbs 11:18, it contrasts the transient gain of the wicked with the assured reward that comes to the righteous, reinforcing the idea that those who embody justice and goodness will ultimately gather a harvest of blessings. This motif extends into the concept of generational blessings, where the faithfulness of one can lead to favor for future generations. Therefore, the biblical meaning of reward intertwines the pursuit of righteousness with broader communal implications, highlighting the importance of living a life that not only seeks personal fulfillment but also contributes positively to the lives of others and the legacy one leaves behind.
Divine Justice and Accountability
In the biblical context, the concept of reward often reflects the principle of divine justice. It emphasizes that individuals are held accountable for their actions, both good and bad. This notion suggests that God observes human behavior and will ultimately reward or punish based on one’s choices and faithfulness. The idea of reward serves as a moral compass, encouraging believers to act righteously, knowing that their deeds will have eternal significance.
Spiritual Fulfillment and Growth
Another broader meaning of reward in the Bible relates to spiritual fulfillment and personal growth. Rewards are not solely material or external; they also encompass the inner transformation and joy that come from living a life aligned with God’s will. This perspective highlights that the true reward lies in the deepening of one’s relationship with God, the peace that surpasses understanding, and the joy found in serving others. Such rewards foster spiritual maturity and a sense of purpose in the believer’s life.
Community and Legacy
The biblical understanding of reward also extends to the impact one has on the community and future generations. Acts of kindness, generosity, and service contribute to a legacy that can inspire and uplift others. In this sense, rewards are not just personal but communal, reflecting the interconnectedness of believers. The rewards of a life lived in faith can ripple through time, influencing the lives of others and contributing to the overall health and vitality of the community of faith.
How to Embrace Divine Justice for Spiritual Growth
Embracing divine justice is a transformative journey that can significantly enhance your spiritual growth as a Christian. It begins with understanding that God’s justice is rooted in love and righteousness, guiding us toward a deeper relationship with Him. When we face injustices or hardships, instead of harboring resentment or despair, we can choose to trust in God’s perfect plan and timing. This trust allows us to release our burdens and seek forgiveness, both for ourselves and others, fostering a spirit of humility and compassion. Reflecting on scriptures like Romans 12:19, which reminds us that vengeance belongs to the Lord, can help us shift our focus from our own grievances to the greater purpose of God’s justice. As we align our hearts with His, we cultivate patience and resilience, ultimately drawing closer to the divine and becoming vessels of His love and grace in a world that desperately needs it.
Bible References to the Meaning of Reward:
Deuteronomy 28:1-14: 1 “And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.”
2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God.
3 Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field.
4 Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock.
5 Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.
6 Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.
7 “The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before you. They shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.”
8 The Lord will command the blessing on you in your barns and in all that you undertake.
9 The Lord will establish you as a people holy to himself, as he has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in his ways.
10 And all the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you.
11 And the Lord will make you abound in prosperity, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your livestock and in the fruit of your ground, within the land that the Lord swore to your fathers to give you.
12 The Lord will open to you his good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands. And you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.
13 And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you shall only go up and not down, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, being careful to do them,
14 and if you do not turn aside from any of the words that I command you today, to the right hand or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.
Psalm 19:7-11: 7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Psalm 58:10-11: 10 The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance; he will bathe his feet in the blood of the wicked.
11 Mankind will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth.”
Proverbs 11:18-21: 18 The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward.
19 Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live,
but he who pursues evil will die.
20 Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the Lord,
but those of blameless ways are his delight.
21 Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished,
but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.
Isaiah 40:10-11: 10 Behold, the Lord God comes with might,
and his arm rules for him;
behold, his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him.
11 He will tend his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms;
he will carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead those that are with young.
Matthew 5:11-12: 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.”
12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 6:1-6: 1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.”
2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.”
3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.”
6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 10:40-42: 40 “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.
41 The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward.
42 And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”
Matthew 16:24-27: 24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
27 For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.
Mark 9:41-42: 41 For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.
42 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.”
Luke 6:22-23: 22 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!”
23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.
Luke 6:35-36: 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.
36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
1 Corinthians 3:8-15: 8 He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.
9 For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.
10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it.
11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—
13 each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.
14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward.
15 If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27: 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.
25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.
27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
Colossians 3:23-25: 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.
Hebrews 10:35-36: 35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.
36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
Hebrews 11:6-7: 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
James 1:12-15: 12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
1 Peter 5:1-4: 5 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:
2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;
3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
Revelation 22:12-14: 12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.
13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.