“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 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. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:1-4

There may be no greater act that reaches and reflects the heart of God than an act of generosity. For what could better exemplify the free, undeserved, unearned grace that God has poured out on us through the person and work of our Savior, Jesus Christ? It's no wonder that one of the key distinctives of the church throughout history has been its generosity, for it serves a generous King. This is why Tim Keller writes, “If you have been touched by the grace of God, you will live a life of radical generosity.” And yet, with the opportunity to be generous comes the temptation to be selfish.

In Matthew 6:1-4, we are given a warning that our generous God is not only concerned about what we give but also how we give it. There seems to be three postures our heart can take when we give. We can seek the praise of man, maintain anonymity but quietly pat ourselves on the back for our good deed, or desire solely to please our Heavenly Father. The reward of generosity shrivels in the limelight, but for the giver, the Father who sees in secret honors, shapes, and rewards that which is given generously to please Him.

Pray:

> Thank God for all the ways He has been generous to you.

> For God to create in you a more generous heart that reflects His.

> For God, through His Spirit, to make you sensitive to moments of generosity and help you to be obedient when He provides an opportunity to give your time, resources, or energy to others.