In Matthew 5-7, Jesus shared His powerful sermon on the mount with the multitude that gathered before Him. While studying Matthew 6, an important reminder spoke to me especially in the wake of charitable giving.
In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus tells the listeners to be careful when giving charity before others (as some do so to be praised by men). He added that instead of doing so, we should give in secret and Our Heavenly Father in turn will reward us openly. A commentary on this portion of scripture reads:
Christ’s own words make His meaning plain, that in acts of charity the aim should not be to secure praise and honor from men. Real godliness never prompts an effort at display. Those who desire words of praise and flattery, and feed upon them as a sweet morsel, are Christians in name only.
Your prayers, your performance of duty, your benevolence, your self-denial, will not be the theme of your thought or conversation. Jesus will be magnified, self will be hidden and Christ will appear as all in all – Taken from Thoughts From The Mount of Blessing (pg 80-81) by Ellen G. White
As many parts of the U.S. and Caribbean continues to be in need, let us give aid because of our love for each other, and not for boasting rites.