'No good deed shall go unpunished'  

In Job 30.25, 26 we hear voiced the universal cry of  good, righteous people who have become victims of inequity...

"Have I not wept for those in trouble? Has not my soul grieved for the poor? Yet when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, then came darkness."

'No good deed shall go unpunished.' I don't know who actually originated that phrase, but it has been felt, if not said, by many people. Another phrase thought often, even if not voiced, is 'I don't deserve this.'

We have institutionally endorsed a verse from the Apostle Paul, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." (Romans 12.15)

That, by itself, goes against the grain of human nature. So, when it doesn't 'work' the way we think it ought to - there isn't the appreciation for our Godly nature and good works, we get discouraged, depressed, or downright upset.

It's easy to get into the 'after all, I didn't have to do that for you...' stage of resentment. We can so quickly and easily adopt a 'victim's mentality.'

Not only is this spiraling resentment NOT productive, it is spiritually devastating. We forget the theme of Romans 12 is us, presenting ourselves, as "living sacrifices." We told to NOT be like those in the world, "but be transformed" by changing the way we think about things. And, "not (to) think of yourself more highly than you ought..."

We are then told, in verses that wrap around vs 15, to: love sincerely, be devoted to one another, honor one another, keep your zeal and fervor in serving, have joy in hope, be patient when used and abused, keep being hospitable, bring blessings to those who use and abuse you, don't be proud, don't be conceited and don't get involved in paybacks!

Read it for yourself (Romans 12.9-21). So just where did you get that silly idea that folks would appreciate you and recognize the good you have done for them? Disabuse yourself of the notion that in this world there will be fair and equitable reward for good deeds.

"In this world you will have trouble ..." (John 16.33) Indeed, no good deed shall go unpunished. "But, take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16.33)

Do the good deeds anyway. It's good for you, it's good for the world around you, and besides that - God told us to!