By[1] “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 6:1 (NIV)
Growing up, I heard many people say that when you give, God will reward you. Because of that, several people managed to deceive others and give unwillingly. Meanwhile, the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NKJV) that,
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
So, according to the verse above, a giver must give what he has decided in his heart. On top of that, he’s supposed to give willingly and not with complaints or out of necessity. Therefore, anyone who gives, even a believer, without fulfilling these requirements, doesn’t do it in a way that pleases God. There is a danger to that kind of lifestyle.
According to Jesus in Matthew 6:1, anyone who practices his righteousness (interpreted as benevolence) before others with the aim of attracting public applause will have no reward from the Father in heaven. Think about that! If you fail to give God’s way, you lose resources because God won’t reward you for your deed. Mercy!
Dear Christian, do not practice benevolence to please people. Just do it to please God, and let other people’s appraisal of you for your deed not bother you.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, empower me to give according to Your ways as written in scripture, lest I disobey You in my deeds. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2025 – 117
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