Honest Giving

Matthew 6: 3-6 ESV
“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.  But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,  so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

It was a custom for some in Jesus’ day to draw attention to their giving so they would be known as generous. Today, people do not sound a trumpet to project the image of generosity, but they still know how to call attention to their giving.

Jesus tells the one who gives so he can hear the applause of others that he should enjoy the applause, because that will be all the reward that he will receive. There will be no reward in heaven. The issue is really a matter of motive. Are we giving for our own glory, or just being obedient to God.

Being stingy with what we are able to give is another subject all together, but having a blind eye to those who are truly in need, and we choose not to give, there is judgment for that attitude. So giving is as much an attitude of the heart as it is obedience to God’s word.

In giving we find the reality of our heart or state of conscious living before God. Are we obedient, gracious givers with proper motivations or are we stingy disobedient children, not willing to part with what we call ours?

We should be faithful stewards, gracious with what God has given us, selfless in our attitudes. After all, is our stuff and money really ours or is God’s given to us on loan?

Prayer:
Father, giving is extremely important to You. Knowing how to give, when to give, who we give to is a matter of where our heart and attitude is. You have given me everything I have, I owe it all to You, use what I have in my possession for a time for Your glory, not mine.