CHARITABLE DEED THAT RECEIVES REWARD!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

FRIDAY MARCH 29, 2024.

SUBJECT: CHARITABLE DEED THAT RECEIVES REWARD!

Memory verse: "But all their works they do for to be seen of men. They make broad their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.” (Matthew 23 vs 5.)

READ: Matthew 6 vs 1 - 4:

6:1: Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen of them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

6:2: Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

6:3: But when you do your charitable deeds, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

6:4: that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who see in secret will Himself reward you openly.

INTIMATION:

Charitable deed is relating or characterized by charity. It is full of love, good will, generosity, benevolent and kind. It is liberal in judging of others; disposed to looking on the best side, and to avoid harsh judgment. It is liberal in benefactions to the poor, giving freely, being generous and beneficent. It is generous in giving to the needy, and being kind or lenient in one's attitude towards others.

Charity, in Christian thought, is the highest form of love, signifying the reciprocal love between God and man that is made manifest in unselfish love of one's fellow men. The apostle Paul's classical description of charity is found in First Corinthians 13). It is pleasing to God when one gives to the poor and needy without expecting praise or attention. Giving to the needy is an obligation for the followers of Jesus. It is an expression of our faith in God and it pleases Him.

The charity or giving that receives reward from God is such that is done without ulterior motive; hidden or concealed reason of doing such charity. When you give with a pure motive, you give out of love and compassion, not out of any selfish interest. To be sure that our motives are not selfish we should do our good deeds quietly or in secret, with no thought of reward. Jesus says we should check our motives in three areas; our generosity, our prayer, and our fasting. These acts should not be self-centered but God-centered, done not to make us look good but to make God look good. 

God promises a reward for charitable deeds from a pure heart, which the Scriptures regard as deeds of righteousness. The reward God promises is not strictly material, and it is never given to those who seek it. In the biblical days of the Old Testament, the Pharisees hypocritically sounded a trumpet when they gave to the poor in the streets. In drawing attention to their act of giving, they received all the reward they would receive which was drawing attention to self. 

Christians should give in a manner by which they do not intentionally seek the praise of men. They should not give for public display. Their giving should be as private as possible in order that one’s motives for giving be kept pure. Doing good to others is good and is reckoned as a deed of righteousness. If one does good in order to receive the recognition of men, then his purpose of doing good deed is drawing attention to himself and receives no reward from God.

The term hypocrites, as used in the passage we read today, describes people who do good deeds for appearance only—not out of compassion or other good motives. Their actions may be good, but their motives are hollow. These empty acts are their only reward, but God will reward those who are sincere in their faith. It’s easier to do what’s right when we gain recognition and praise. Doing something only for yourself is not a loving sacrifice. With your next good deed, ask, “Would I still do this if no one would ever know I did it?”

When Jesus says not to let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, He is teaching that our motives for giving to God and to others must be pure. It is easy to give with mixed motives; to do something for someone if it will benefit you in return. But believers should avoid all schemings and give for the pleasure of giving and as a response to God’s love. 

Charitable deed is an act of service to God, and He rewards such service accordingly. Using the gifts God has given us for His service is a deed of righteousness. But when we use our gifts for selfish motives, we are walking in unrighteousness. God used great preachers like the apostles Peter and Paul, but He also used those who have gifts of kindness for His service. Rather than wishing you had other gifts, make good use of the gifts God has given you.

For instance, the Bible in Acts 9 vs 36 - 42, tells us the story of Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas in Greek, a benevolent sister who spent time in helping others, and she made an enormous impact on her community by always doing kind things to others and helping the poor, by making coats and other garments for them. When she died, the room where she laid in preparation for her burial was filled with mourners who are very likely many of the people she had helped. Her charitable deeds among her people caused the enormous cry and prayers from the people. And God answered their prayers through the apostle Peter. And when she was brought back to life, the news raced through the town. 

Prayer: Abba Father, endue me with the spirit of love and compassion, that I may do my charitable deeds from a pure heart devoid of any selfish motives, in Jesus’ Name I prayed. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

L