Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
Matthew 6:1-4
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Here in part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus was addressing the issue of giving alms or another words giving to those in need such as charity. True giving/ charity is not done with an announcement as with trumpets or made known, but instead are done anonymous. The very point Jesus was getting across was that men like the pharisees were openly letting people knowing what they were doing for the poor so they could get recognition. They were so caught up in getting the credit now. They wanted to earn the merit of men and had already forgotten their first love, God.
You ever met anyone like this they make sure everyone knows it was them that did this or that for someone. Instead of just doing it. Remember as the scripture says do all things heartily unto God( Colossians 3:23 ). Sad isn't how people can take a good act, but do it with the wrong intent and use the wrong means.
What is so awesome is that when we do this things with the right intent and by the right means God will reward us openly. Awesome isn't to know that for being obedient God rewards us. I can tell you personally how I've received blessing from being obedient to God and applying His Word to my life. Now in no way am I perfect,but I've found that day by day I have asked Him to continue to remove anything that is not good according to His Word. I ask Him to try my heart and to refine me.
So friends I encourage you when the need in your heart to give those in need, don't be as a hypocrite. Instead follow the example that our Savior taught us. Reminding us that doing it in public for others eyes would get our reward now. Instead do in secret so that God, our heavenly Father will reward us openly. Remember who are pleasing men or God ( Galatians 1:10 )?
For anyone reading this tonight who has not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and personal Savior I invite you to do so. Ask Him into your heart and admit your a sinner in need of His forgiveness. Be real with Him and cast all your worries, doubts, and fears at His feet, the feet of mercy for He cares for you( 1 Peter 5:7 ). Repent of your old ways, your sins, and find your identity in Jesus Christ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ). Don't let your past or not being perfect get in the way( Psalm 103:12, Romans 3:23 ). Instead cast yourself upon His mercy( Luke 18:13 ). Remember He is waiting on you with arms wide open( John 3:16 ). In those arms you will find love( John 15:13 ), mercy( Romans 5:6-8 ), forgiveness( 1 John 1:9 ), and a grace that is sufficient( 2 Corinthians 12:9 ). Will you choose Him ? Will you let Him set you free from the bonds of sin( John 8:36 ) ? I encourage you to do so. This is the single greatest choice you will ever make. It is matter of life and death, life and death eternal( John 3:18 ). Don't wait, make the choice tonight( Matthew 24:36 )!
God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
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