Our scripture this morning is Matthew 6:1-4.
Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
Helping those in need is an essential part of our walk with Jesus. However, we must help in appropriate ways, not seeking recognition or reward or having ulterior motives for our action. Our giving will be blessed when we follow Christ’s example, sharing out of love.
Sometimes we give due to feelings of obligation or even guilt. God wants us to be cheerful givers (2 Corinthians 9:7), giving not because we must, but because we can. The gifts we have received from the Father are best used to support our brothers and sisters.
God knows our every thought and action, and when we do the right thing for the right reason, we are living according to His will. Jesus helped others without considering who they were, only that they were in need. We must follow His example and share the blessings we have been given that others may know the joy we have found in Him.
Loving Lord, we are grateful for all You have given us. Lead us to use our gifts in Your name to lift each other up, that we may all live eternally with You. Amen.