Wednesday 8th May
Read Matthew 6:2-4
“‘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 honoured by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (NIVUK)
It is easy to overlook the ‘when’ in this passage. Jesus is working through the traditional activities of religious expression in the 1st century – almsgiving, prayer and fasting. Although He has much to say about each of them it is clear there is no expectation that His followers would not engage in these activities. We must not overlook the ‘when’ either.
But for Jesus, just as He expanded on the commandments and their reach into the hearts of those who would follow Him, the traditional expressions of piety are equally expanded. It is not enough simply to give, one’s motivation in giving must also be considered. As we consider our heart motivations this week, it is worth reflecting on Paul’s words to the Corinthian church.
“Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7) (NIVUK)
