God looks at the intent of our actions as well as the actions themselves. In business we do a lot of networking; the world’s way is to ask, “what can you do for me?,” a believer’s way is to ask, “what can I do for you?” We are not connected to people so we can use them; we are connected to people so we can help them. True giving –a giving that receives– comes from a changed heart that loves, both God and others, and wants to give.
1 Samuel 16:6–7 (ESV)6 When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD’s anointed is before him.” 7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”
2 Corinthians 9:6–8 (ESV)6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.