How should you give a gift?
The holiday season is upon us. With all of the shoppers crowding the stores, you have to wonder if we are doing this stuff for the right reasons or not.
I had a friend tell me that they would find a family in need, go and just buy them a ton of stuff, and then secretly go by their home and put the stuff on their front door. They would not tell them who they were, why they did it, and would never hear about it.
“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 (ESV)
How are you giving this year? Is it out of show, obligation, or something from the heart? How can you make it right? Do you know someone in need?
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I do love this idea of giving to the needy rather than accumulating a lot of “stuff”. I believe this is becoming more of a trend in America and I think that is because many are setting the example. I agree with Matthew that God does not want us drawing attention to our good deeds to seek the praises of man. However, I do not think we should hide our good works under a bushel. Many can be inspired by a kind story of the good that came of your gifts. I love to share stories from my World Vision ministry. It reminds people of what a huge difference a little can be. My challenge to those reading….Go and “do for one what you wish you could do for everyone.” We can change the world, one small act of kindness at a time.