Giving is a very touching subject in the church today. When you talk about giving may will focus on tithes and offerings that we give to the church. In fact many feel like they have done their religious duty once they have given their money to the church and thus will stop at that. There is another type of giving that is hardly talked about in Christian circles and that’s giving to the poor.
Matthew 6:2
2 “So whenever you give to the poor and do acts of kindness, do not blow a trumpet before you [to advertise it], as the hypocrites do [like actors acting out a role] in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored and recognized and praised by men. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, they [already] have their reward in full.
What would you think of me if I was to put up pictures of me on social media giving my tithe or offering in church with a caption that says “Hanging out in church this morning, so blessed that I can give my offerings of 4,500 ksh. God is surely good” I am sure many would have lots to say about that. Well what about when we give to the poor?
Jesus says “Whenever” you give to the poor meaning we are to give to the poor, it’s not a matter of if but when. When you give to the poor, do not blow a trumpet before you to advertise it because that is what the hypocrites do. The reason they blow a trumpet is because they want recognition and the praise of men. That is the motive and driving force behind their giving.
Do you give silently or do you make noise to advertise your giving so that others can see how great you are?
Matthew 6:3-4
3 But when you give to the poor and do acts of kindness, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing [give in complete secrecy],4 so that your charitable acts will be done in secret; and your Father who sees [what is done] in secret will reward you.
God requires us to give to the poor but even as we give there is a prescribed way to give. Give in silence. Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is giving meaning that you should keep your giving and acts of kindness to yourself and not go out blowing your own trumpet. In this social media celebrity driven culture, some will only give when the cameras and lights are on because they are doing it for popularity and ratings and it is not really coming from their heart. If you are giving to the poor for the sake of popularity and to be seen as a good person, then you have already received your reward.
Give in secrecy, keep off the cameras and popularity and wait for your father in heaven to reward you in his way at his time.
