What is the meaning of Ibn 'Abbas's statement that "the emancipation that is sought for the face of Allah is what is intended"?

Question : Fear Allah, for it is by it that one ascends and reaches the ranks of the righteous.

Answer : Yes, that is right. The emancipation that benefits its owner and for which reward is recorded is that which is intended for the face of Allah. As for what is not intended for the face of Allah, such as intending to take revenge on one's slave, or to boast about the number of slaves one has freed, or the like of that, it does not benefit him. It takes place, but it does not benefit.