Description
Jesus is so wise. In Matthew 6:3 he sets out excellent guidelines for charity.
Matthew 6:3
But when you give to the nee… (visit YouTube for more)
Transcript
Let’s meditate today on some words that Jesus spoke. Matthew chapter 6 verse 3. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.
Jesus says, when you give, not if you give. There’s an assumption that we will be giving to the needy. And I think there’s good cause for us to pause there for a moment and consider, are we giving to the needy in accordance with that expectation? Am I?
Jesus says, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. So that this act of giving is so private, is so secret, is so hidden, that it’s not obvious to anyone, even to yourself, in a way, this is the metaphor.
He wants it just to be between us and God. That our giving is done in such a cheerful way that no one knows that we have less when we gave than we had before.
All the things that we have, God gave to us. We are just stewards of what he’s given. Whether that be time, talents, material resources, anything. Let us be open handed and not seek praise because of that open handedness.
Lord Jesus, you’ve said these words because you knew it would be difficult for us to follow them. And yet you are such an inspiration to us, that you gave everything. You gave your life knowing that it would be painful, brutal, and very unpleasant. And so, knowing your generosity, Lord, we are inspired to be generous also.
Please lead us on into that generosity. And please help us to remember that we’re not doing it for credit. We are doing it because it’s right and because we obey and love you. Amen.
