“你施舍的时候，不要叫左手知道右手所作的。” - 太 6:3

 Generous Giving

For many of the people Jesus was speaking to in this passage, generosity and righteousness were considered the same. And it was not uncommon that people publicized their giving.

 Devotion

That happens today too. We see it when a famously wealthy person gives part of their fortune to a charity—along with a press release and media interviews.

Public recognition can feel good. It can be nice to hear praise when you can provide something that would otherwise not be possible. But Jesus says there is an even greater reward for people who give quietly. Who do you want keeping the records when it comes to your generosity? Is the applause of the world better than the reward of blessing from God?

When it comes to giving generously, three principles come to mind. First, no one is too poor to give. Even if you are struggling to get by, God will bless your generosity. Second, generous giving should be sacrificial. C. S. Lewis said that the safest rule for giving is to give more than you can spare. Finally, the amount you give ought to be decided in your own heart and not given out of compulsion. It is a private matter between you and God.

The purpose of your giving should not be to impress others. Instead, it is a discipline that should increase your faith in God to provide for you and to draw you closer to him.

 Prayer

Generous God, all that we have is from you. Make us good stewards of all you have entrusted to us—trusting in faith that you will continue to provide. In Jesus, Amen.

诵读:楚云丨片头: 张妙阳

感谢《普世佳音》制作上传网络

文字校对：李清

图文编排：裕化

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