February 24, 2024

Jesus Teaches About Giving to the Needy

Matthew 6: 1 – 4

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 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. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Note KJV version of verse 4:   That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

REFLECTION:

I will consider that Jesus will reward us for our work.  I don’t need the approval of man.  I need the approval of God.

APPLICATION:

I will consider why I am giving. If my motives are not aligned with Jesus instruction I will determine if there is a need and find a way to give privately and prayerfully.

PRAYER:

Lord examine my heart and help me to give with the right heart and right motive.  Help me not to expect anything in return.