Matthew 6:2-4 [NIV] | 2 “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 honored 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.

Throughout the Bible we read about our calling to support and help others. Jesus has an expectation that his followers be givers. We are called to give to the poor, the needy, and those less fortunate. In our giving we are to have a humble spirit seeking to give God the glory. Unfortunately, due to the sin in our lives, we like to take the credit and to share with others what we have done.

In our sinful state we often forget that the rightful owner of all things is God. Our Father is the creator of the heavens and earth. Out of nothing he created all that we see and cannot see. God himself is the source of everything that is good. He has invited us to be stewards of his blessings and he calls us to share them in secret giving God all praise and honor.

It is nearly impossible to keep secret the amount of charitable giving one gives today. Donors are required by tax authorities to keep accurate records, and the larger the gift, the more people must keep a record of it. When Jesus said to keep your gifts a secret from even yourself, he was using an exaggeration to warn against self-glorifying demonstrations. Every time we give, count it as a reminder of our freedom from the power of money and of our trust in Jesus alone for all good things.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, creator of all things, we thank you for the many blessings you provide in our lives. Lead us to be humble servants and good stewards of all you have entrusted to us. May we have generous hearts to love our neighbors as ourselves as we place our trust in Jesus. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Action Plan:
Today, in secrecy, I will be a humble servant by giving to…