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.
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.