December 10 | Matthew 6:1-4

““Now beware that you don’t practice your righteousness before people to be seen by them, for if this is so you will not have a reward from from your Father in heaven. So, when you give alms to the needy, don’t blow the trumpet before you just as the hypocrites do in the synagogue and in the streets that they may be glorified by people. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give alms to the needy, don’t let your left hand know what you right hand is doing, so that your alms giving may be in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:1–4)

As with many of the things Jesus talked about in His Sermon on the Mount He expects us to do them. If anyone ever asked me, “Do I have to give to the poor and needy?” I have to say, “Yes!” After all, Jesus didn’t say, “If you give to the needy,” but, “When you give to the needy…”

Given to those less fortunate than us shows Jesus’ heart. In one place Jesus said that when we do things for others less fortunate we do them to Him. You are serving Jesus by serving others. You are giving to Jesus by giving to others.

As much as you want to be a philanthropist and show everybody what you are doing you must keep it secret. Do you want to receive your reward here or in heaven? You don’t get it in both places. Don’t make a conscious effort to pat yourself on the back or let anyone know what you are doing. Your eternal reward depends on it!

Action Step: Don’t let anyone know how much you give or to whom you give it. Give in secret and receive God’s blessing.

Jesus, keep my pride from ruining my reward. Help me to give in secret. Give me a heart for those less fortunate than me. I’m giving to You by giving to them.