Matthew 6:3-4 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. English Standard Version (ESV)
In the first 18 verses of Matthew chapter 6 we see three different things that are expected of Jesus' followers. In the midst of this Sermon on the Mount, Jesus talks about "when" in relation to 3 different things. He says "when you give to the needy", "when you pray" (v.5&7), and "when you fast" (v. 16&17).
All three of these things are personal matters. Though the giving may have to been done in public one on one, it need not be done with fanfare or to draw attention to what is taking place. We don't give to be seen, pray to be seen or fast to be seen but we are to do all three in response to Jesus call to do so. They are alll to be normal functions in our lives being done out faith and of love from one that is seeking Him, without thought of getting something in return. At the same time we can be sure that God knows about it and takes notice.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. New King James Version (NKJV)
What can you do today to "work behind the scenes" (The Message) and help someone out?
Matthew 6:3
The Message (MSG)
2-4 "When you do something for someone else, don't call attention to yourself. You've seen them in action, I'm sure—'playactors' I call them—treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that's all they get. When you help someone out, don't think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out.
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