20150806 WHY ARE YOU GIVING?

WHY ARE YOU GIVING?

Matthew 6:1-6 "Watch out! Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.  (2)  When you give to someone in need, don't do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get.  (3)  But when you give to someone in need, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.  (4)  Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.  (5)  "When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.  (6)  But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

We discussed this somewhat when we looked at 5:16. It’s important to note that we are dealing with two different Greek words here. In 5:16 the word is ἔργον- ergon and expresses the idea of work, as in doing a really good job at what you do. The word here in chapter 6 is ἐλεημοσύνη- eleēmosunē and is translated better as “alms” or deeds done, or gifts given to the poor.

As is the case with most of this message from the mount, Jesus is again dealing with matters of the heart. The question we are to put to ourselves is, “Why am I giving? Why am I praying?” If the answer is, “To impress those watching,” then our heart is not right. Because our hearts so often deceive us it is best to do these things secretly. Then we can look forward to the Father’s blessing and reward.

This is not to say we should be legalistic about this and refuse to give because someone is watching or might see. Nor, that we should refuse to pray aloud when called upon in public worship. Again we must walk in the Spirit and pray for God to lead even our motives to be holy. Psalms 19:14  May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Father in heaven, thank you for the ability to bless others. May we be found faithful in our giving and our praying and may these acts of love be out of pure hearts. In Jesus Name, AMEN!!!