south ridge church posted: " (Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence) Matthew 6:3 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. Imagine for a " south ridge blog
Matthew 6:3 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.
Imagine for a moment that a Fortune 500 company gives a large "donation" to a non-profit organization. Not because they value the organization or its goals, but because they want to have a tax write-off.
This is the kind of situation Jesus is teaching against during this passage. The main teaching isn't just about giving in secret, but includes giving for the sake of giving, not because of something you'll get as a reward.
People today give of their money, time, and other forms of generosity for many reasons. Some may do it for a tax write-off. Some may do it because they want others to see them and think well of them. But then there are those who give of their time, energy, and talents simply to contribute something good to another in need. Living like Jesus is to live in this way: giving sacrificially without any desire for recognition or accolades.
QUESTION: Think of a time when you were in need (physically, emotionally, or financially) and somebody gave you what you most needed in that moment without any expectations for the favor to be returned. What was that experience like for you?
QUESTION: Who is somebody you know (or perhaps, somebody you don't know) who may be in need of some help today? What may you be able to contribute toward their need?
Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I don't generally feel like I give a tithe or offering or any other gift with a heart of wanting to be seen by others, but I recognize I can still grow in having a desire to serve others who may be in need. Continue to strengthen my heart to be more like Yours. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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