God Sees secret alms
Matthew 6:3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
We often find ourselves seeking recognition and praise for our acts of kindness and generosity, but Jesus, in His divine wisdom, reminds us that God sees even the secret alms we offer.
Jesus begins His teaching by addressing the act of giving to the needy. In the culture of His time, it was common for people to make a show of their generosity, seeking recognition and applause from others. However, Jesus calls us to a higher standard, urging us to give in secret.
The phrase "do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing" is a metaphorical expression used by Jesus to emphasize the need for secrecy in our acts of kindness. He is urging us to perform our acts of charity without seeking personal glory or public acclaim.
By giving in secret, we cultivate humility within our hearts. When our motives are not driven by the desire for recognition, we experience the true joy of selfless giving. It is in this humility that we align ourselves with the character of Christ and display the love of God to those around us.
Jesus goes on to reveal the profound truth that our Heavenly Father sees what is done in secret. While others may not be aware of our acts of kindness, God, who is all-knowing, observes every thought, every action, and every sacrifice made for His kingdom.
Our God is not a distant, disinterested observer. He is a loving Father who is intimately aware of every detail of our lives. He sees every secret act of kindness, every whispered prayer, and every sacrificial offering made in His name. Our Father's watchful eye never misses a thing.
In the final part of this passage, Jesus assures us that our secret acts of alms-giving will not go unnoticed or unrewarded. Our Heavenly Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward us. This reward may not always be immediate or material in nature, but it will be far greater and more lasting than any earthly recognition or praise.
Now that we understand the significance of secret alms in the eyes of God, we must also know how we can practically apply this teaching to our daily lives.
a) Cultivate an Attitude of Secrecy:
Intentionally seek opportunities to serve others without seeking recognition. Whether it is providing financial assistance, helping someone in need, or extending a kind word, let our acts of kindness be done with a heart that desires to serve God alone.
b) Pray for Discernment:
Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in identifying those in need. Sometimes the most significant acts of kindness happen when no one else is watching. Through prayer and seeking God's wisdom, we can discern the true needs of others and offer support where it is most needed.
c) Trust in God's Provision:
When we choose to give in secret, we may face challenges or limitations in our resources. But let us remember that God is our provider. He knows our hearts and our desires to serve, and He will honor our faithfulness. Trust in His abundant provision, knowing that He will bless us beyond measure.
d) Seek Eternal Rewards:
As followers of Christ, our ultimate goal is not the recognition of others but the approval of our Heavenly Father. Let us fix our eyes on the eternal rewards that come from serving in secret. These rewards may include spiritual growth, a deepened intimacy with God, and the joy of knowing that we have made a difference in someone's life.
Conclusion:
As we continue with our life journey, let us heed the words of Jesus and embrace the call to secret alms-giving. May we cultivate humble hearts, serving others with selflessness and love, knowing that our Heavenly Father sees and rewards our every act of kindness.
May our secret alms be a reflection of our faith in God's goodness and a testament to the transforming power of His love in our lives. Let us go forth, shining His light in the darkness, and making a difference one secret act of kindness at a time. Amen.
God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of today in Jesus Christ name.
2. Lord, give me the grace to give alms as you have given me resources in Jesus Christ name.
3. Lord, help me to be humble in doing good works in Jesus Christ name.
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.