There are still some people in need in this world who will turn away help if you come with news media who will broadcast the deed in detail while praising the giver.  Most companies and organizations give merely as an ad campaign to draw more attention to their business.  Some give because our government still allows companies a “write off” in taxes when they give.  This means they pay less taxes if they can prove they gave donations or took a loss by giving.  Yes, it makes for good press when the rich can proclaim their generosity to the poor.  It’s the way of this world. 

“You have heard it said, but I say to you…”  Jesus is at it again with teaching the opposite of what the world says.  He continues His teaching on the mountainside to many who continue to gather from surrounding towns who are hungry for Truth.  As expected, Jesus has a different way of thinking on the practice of giving.  “I tell you the truth” are words that leap off the page for me this morning.  As Truth seekers, Jesus changes the way we give by changing the way we think about giving.  That’s who He is and how He thinks.  Think like Jesus.

We give as God leads because of a greater work.  God calls on those who have and are willing to give as the answer to someone praying to God for help.  God has a beautiful way of matching givers with people in need, the receivers.  To God be the glory!  It’s not about us, it’s about how God works and cares for all of us!

Matthew—The Law Fulfilled

Matthew 6:1-4, NLT

Teaching about Giving to the Needy

“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. ² When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. ³ But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. ⁴ Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

SIDE STORY TO THINK ABOUT…(Taken from the biography of George Muller) 

Read more here: 

https://www.guideposts.org/inspiration/inspiring-stories/the-inspiring-life-of-george-m-ller

Night was falling over the harbor of Bristol, England, and in the orphanage founded by George Müller and his wife, the children were getting ready for bed. George was working in his study when his wife arrived with alarming news. “We’re out of milk,” she said. “There isn’t enough for the morning oatmeal.”

George laid aside his pen. This wasn’t the first time that money needed to buy food and other supplies was tight. The Müllers took in their first group of thirty girls in 1836, and their orphanage now housed over a hundred. From the beginning, George remained resolved never to ask for funds from people or to borrow money. He went to God alone for every need, trusting wholly in the Lord’s faithfulness and provision.

The pastor rose from his desk and reached for his wife’s hand. “Mary,” he said, “let us pray.” Two orphanage employees joined them, and together they made their humble yet necessary request to God. Tiny, helpless mouths were depending on them for sustenance. “Be assured, if you walk with Him and look to Him and expect help from Him,” George reminded them afterwards, “He will never fail you.”

Someone knocked on the door. Mary hurried to answer, returning to the study a moment later. She handed her husband an envelope. “It’s a letter, George. Hurry up and open it.”

Enclosed was a sum of money, more than enough for the milk. Within minutes, two more letters arrived with money and pledges of support.

One night while seeking the Lord regarding the orphanage, he heard, “Open thy mouth wide and I will fill it.” And so a great experiment of faith began.

Faced with difficulties regarding the rented houses where the children lived, he dreamed of building an orphan’s home on its own land and with every amenity.  It took eighteen months to amass the initial sum of money, and throughout that time George counted the days he spent in prayer and recorded the funds as they trickled in. Each donation—God’s answer to his prayer rather than the fruit of a plea to man for money—spurred him to continue. Eventually he built five homes, costing more than $100,000 to build, which is over $14,000,000 in today’s currency.

George raised each and every penny for this wonderful ministry on his knees, through unceasing, persistent, thankful prayer and an unwavering faith in God.

Almost two hundred years later, the George Müller Charitable Trust in Bristol still operates today and continues to adhere to George’s commitment to seeking money only through prayer. Tens of thousands of souls—orphans and other needy children, families and the elderly—have been helped.  

As George reminds us, “Every child of God is not called by the Lord to establish schools and orphan houses and to trust in the Lord for means for them. Yet, there is no reason why you may not experience, far more abundantly than we do now, His willingness to answer the prayers of His children.”

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. –Colossians 4:2

Abba, Father in Heaven,

Lead us to give and to receive gratefully because of your continual work in us.  You always know what is best for us.  You are God and we are not.  Thank you for always being with us.  Thank you for provisions and protection for we are always on your mind.  What a blessed thought! 

“All I have needed, you hand has provided, Great is your faithfulness!” is the song of praise I sing to you this morning!  Thank you for teaching us the truth about giving.  We can never outgive your generous gift of life eternal with sins forgiven.  But we can learn to think and behave more and more like you taught us on the mount of Truth telling.

In Jesus Name, Amen