Giving? Do it God’s Way!

One of the activities that we focus on during Lent is doing good deeds. It does not mean that we do not care  for the poor and needy during other seasons of the year but during Lent, people purpose to do extra as it pertains to the needy. But is there a protocol in place as it pertains to giving?

When we read Matthew 6:1-4, we see that Jesus took the time to teach the people about giving to those less fortunate. We live at a time where people are in need. It does not necessarily mean that they were members of the group that we identified as poor and needy. But, post pandemic, many families have entered the realm of less fortunate. Many family members have lost their jobs; some families have lost their homes and with higher prices everywhere and higher living expenses, there are more people in need so we need to know how to proceed.

Jesus was concerned about how we helped those in need. If you needed help, how would you want others to reach out to you? Would you prefer that the entire community was informed that they were going to share some food with you or would you prefer that they just ring your bell and come inside? I don’t know about you, but I would prefer that they would ring my bell and come inside. Verses 1-2 says, “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 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.” How sad that would be.

Instead, Jesus said, “ 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.” Let us purpose in our hearts to care for the less fortunate but do it God’s way and God will bless our efforts.

Thought for Today: Friend, give to others God’s way and receive a reward.

Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.