#47: OUR MISGIVINGS IN GIVING II

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So when you give something to a needy person, do not make a big show of it, as the hypocrites do in the houses of worship and on the streets. They do it so that people will praise them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. But when you help a needy person, do it in such a way that even your closest friend will not know about it. Then it will be a private matter. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. Matthew 6:2-4

Last week, we began a study on giving. God was able to show to us that one of the ways to show that we love Him is to give. This week, we trust the LORD to open our eyes much more in the area of giving.

So when you give: the introduction of our anchor scripture does not suggest that giving is an option. The word when shows that there will always be a time to give and you are meant to give at such time.

To a needy person: the human nature yearns after favors. We are always looking for benefits. We would most likely support the campaign of a politician with the thought that when he attains his position, he will remember you for good. But how many times do we support someone who is sincerely in need? Our human nature would not want to invest into a poor beggar because there are no benefits. But our study last week must have dealt with that aspect of our lives for good. “In as much as you have done it to the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” Matthew 25:40b

Not…as the hypocrites do: if giving is indeed a habit, there will be no point bragging about it. Hypocrites only do good in the open, in the presence of several watching eyes. God wants us to give everywhere, and ignore the eyes around that are watching.

Then it will be a private affair: giving is an act of righteousness. It is in obedience to the command of God. When we ignore all the eyes watching, we should focus on God who sees all thing…and your Father who sees what you do in private, will reward you.

THOUGHT: There will always be some Israelites who are poor and in need, and so I command you to be generous to them. Deut 15:11

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