Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4
“Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is 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 men. I tell you the truth, 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.
Some Thoughts
We don’t need big words to say powerful things. These words of Jesus have four or fewer letters and most have a single syllable. He couldn’t be clearer. Ours is a faith that expresses itself in actions. Giving to the needy is one of those expected actions that is done not to buy God’s favor, make him love us more, or earn salvation. We give to those in need as an expression of our loving relationship with our heavenly Father. Giving is what we do as Christians in expressing our love. Jesus was clear. He didn’t say if you give to the needy, but rather when you give to the needy. Giving alms (money, food, or clothing) is one of the three primary themes of Lent along with fasting and praying. Have you noticed that is exactly what Jesus did his whole life? He fasted regularly; he prayed often; he gave continually to all, especially to those in need.
In observing Jesus’ giving during his time on earth, I can’t think of one time when he gave money. The Bible doesn’t say anything about his bank account or if he even had one. When he paid his taxes, the coin was procured from the mouth of a fish! But in keeping with his words, Jesus did not broadcast when he gave to people so we don’t know about the money side of his life. He gave food to thousands when the five and four thousand were fed and clothing to the demoniac. What we do know is how much of his time he gave to people in need, all kinds of needs. His timing for giving was often guided by the needs of those around him. Jesus’ “when you give” seemed always to be tuned to the situation at hand. Also concerning the “when,” there is also no record of Jesus running anywhere. He often gave until he was exhausted and we are the beneficiaries. Not only is Jesus our model, but the Holy Spirit is also our source of strength to give. Does someone just need to be listened to? Expand your alms thinking. Ask the Lord to bring to mind someone you can encourage and give to in a practical way. It’s living the life of Jesus.
Music: “O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus,” Simon Khorolskiy
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, our Sustainer and Provider, help us to be your hands and feet to those in need. You have given to us so lavishly in so many varied ways. Tune our hearts to your own generous heart that we may more and more see as you see and do something about it. May the gradual transformation of our being into your likeness lead to the transformation of our doing. Thank you for coming to us in our great need. You are our only hope and salvation. May we bring hope, the hope found in you, to those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen. ―Daniel Sharp