Tuesday 21/8/12

Matthew 6:2-4 ESV

"Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.  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. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

These verse give an example of not practicing righteousness to be seen by men. Worldly people give, not because of their compassion or their love for God, but because they want to be praised and perceived as good & righteous by men. God can see their heart & their motives, which lacking love & mercy but full of pride & hypocrisy, and He won't reward them. The praise of worldly men, which they want, is their reward.

But a Christian should give, not to get praise, but because of his love for God & mercy and the genuine desire to share & obey God's commandments. God will reward him/her for the right motives.