What does your giving look like? Do you donate your money to charities? Do you contribute to the ministries of the church? Have you put much thought into your giving? Do you know what God expects? Do you know what Jesus says about giving?
Some give regularly to church, whether it is monthly or weekly. Others give sporadically, perhaps only when they think they have a little extra or when they feel guilty for not giving. Some give to charities, but it may be a spur of the moment decision.
Why is giving so challenging for us? Perhaps it is our American culture—take care of yourself first. Now, there is nothing wrong with ensuring our families are fed, clothed, and housed. However, many of us have far more than the necessities. Yet, we are still unwilling to give.
For thousands of years, God has expected we give ten percent. Remember, Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). Therefore, God’s expectation still stands. Jesus was likely thinking of this when He stated today’s passage. He doesn’t say ‘if’ you give but ‘when’ you give. His expectation was that we give to those in need. He expected we would purposely set aside a portion of our income to help others.
Jesus’ instruction was about bragging. We are not to brag about our giving. We are not to go around telling everyone how generous we are by giving to others. We are to donate to our churches and charitable causes without fanfare, without a pat on the back, without an attaboy or attagirl. Jesus says we are to give quietly and in secret. It is only then that we will be rewarded by God.
I pray we all purposely set up our budgets to give. I pray we give to our churches and to charities. I pray each one of us will perform our giving in secret, without gloating. Plan your finances. Set aside money to give. Give to your church. Give to charities. Give in secret. Be rewarded by God.
Matthew 6:3-4 “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.”
Marty Pressey 