Godly Giving

"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." - Matthew 6:3-4How many people do you know who truly give just for the sake of giving because they know it is good and right to do?How many folks do you know who offer their services, time and emotions, simply because they have a real heart to help a fellow man?

I wish I could say I knew many such people, but, the reality is, few individuals I know give out of a cheerful and loving heart expecting nothing from man or God in return. Even in my own life, while my heart may be acting in love, a small subtle part of me sometimes hopes that God will offer me something in return, such as a prayer answered.

Unfortunately, God does not work this way. When a prayer is answered or a blessing bestowed, our Creator does not issue it as some sort of reward system or trophy for a job well done. No, my friends, God is above such juvenile behavior, and when the Lord gives, He gives because it is good and right to do so.

The next time you are moved to reach out and give to someone, whether it be volunteering some time to help feed the homeless, work with cancer patients, or offering a supportive shoulder to a friend in need, do so expecting nothing in return, and the simple yet profound joy of knowing you did the right thing because it was the godly thing to do, and not because you would receive earthy recognition, will be all the reward you will need!

God knows, not only our every word and deed, but He knows our true motives behind our actions. Show God what is in YOUR heart today!

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Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2003 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living Ecstatic Loving: How to have more peace and joy in marriage, and life in general by walking in harmony with God," and "Son Salutations: A refreshing collection of modern inspirations for those who seek God each day." For more information, visit her web page at www.angelfire.com/mi/melschurr