[Jesus continued:] "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."
Giving to the needy has always been a hallmark of God's people. But the goal of helping others is to bring honor to the name of the
Lord, not to develop a name for ourselves. We are to let our light shine so God is glorified, not for our glory. We are blessed with what we have because God wants us to share with those in need. We are here to be conduits of his blessings. Our sharing should be such an everyday part of life that we don't even think about it, much less think about others noticing that we did it. While it is not our motivation for caring, it is comforting that God will not forget our deeds of kindness or the love we've shown to those less fortunate (
Matthew 25:31-40).
Holy and giving God, you are so generous with us, your children. Father, please help us and especially please stir me to be more generous with those in need. I confess that I find it easy to be cynical, at times, with those in need. But after getting to know them, their story, and their hurt, I know they need your love and blessings as much as I do. Father, I also know that you have put me here to share with them. So, dear Lord, please make me an instrument of your grace and teach me to share what you have given me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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