3 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. (Matthew 6:3-4 ESV)
Is your giving from s glad heart, or is it more of a financial transaction?
Our scripture tells us to not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. This is that we are giving with a glad heart and not thinking about a return of any type, tax or other. We are giving out of our abundance and sacrificially. This giving may also not just be from our treasure, but may involve our time and/or our talents. God has given freely so that we can give freely.
I actually like present day online giving as opposed to passing a plate around. There are times when that is needed, but I have also seen it abused by churches and used as coercion. Even going so far as to make a big show of people coming down to the front to give. In this case I think it makes it hard for people to give from a glad heart.
Reflect on: Your motives behind your giving and the state of your heart, does your left hand know what your right is doing?
