For to love those who love you, or to do good to those who return the favor is not much of a virtue, says Jesus. Even the sinners do this. The real virtue is in doing good to those who cannot (or will not) respond in kind. In the hopes that this radical show of kindness will enliven their hearts with genuine gratitude. It is a willingness to risk wasting our mercy which separates us from those who are only the earthly sons of Adam.