A Life of Generosity
As Jesus was teaching people, there was a group of leaders who were not always the best role models. When these people helped others, they would boast about it and tell everybody the good deeds they did. They made sure to flaunt their good works publicly for everyone to notice them.
Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:3 is directly related to what these leaders were doing. Jesus says that when we give to those in need, we shouldn’t let our left hand know what our right hand is doing. Essentially, our goal in giving to others should not be recognition.
Jesus’ teaching is about the condition of our heart. If we’re giving to others for the sake of being recognized for doing good, then we’re not helping people with the right motives. This should not stop us from giving to others, but it should guide our motives for doing so.
When we help others, we should do so primarily for their benefit—not our own. This means there’s no need to broadcast it. Instead, we should have humility when giving to the needy. We should seek to help others because of Jesus’ love for them—not because our pride, ego, or sense of obligation compels us.
Thankfully, when our giving is shaped by Jesus’ love, our posture toward giving begins to transform. 2 Corinthians 9:7 further confirms this when Paul says we should never give under compulsion or while complaining, but instead, we should be cheerful in our giving. Why? Because God loves a cheerful giver.
When we give humbly and cheerfully, it shows that our lives are being shaped by our generous God.
God’s desire is for us to become people who give to others without expecting anything in return. That’s why Jesus encourages us to give freely to others without expecting recognition or acclaim.
So take some time to think about some people in your life who are in need. How can you help them? What practical needs can you meet? Think about how you can help them this week without bringing attention to yourself.
Love Compelled Him
Jesus said a lot of powerful, enlightening, and important things. But there’s one command that sums it all up…
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
John 15:12 NIV
It sounds simple, right? But when we look at Jesus’ life, how did He love? And how can we strive to love like He did?
Love compelled Jesus to give up His privileges. As Creator and Lord, Jesus can do whatever He pleases. But instead, the Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14)—temporarily relinquishing His rights so that we could be right with God.
Love compelled Jesus to prioritize people...
The woman at the well. The man with leprosy. A Roman officer. A blind beggar. Peter’s mother-in-law. A widow’s son. A despised tax collector. Even the thief hanging next to Him on the cross. Jesus didn’t see problems—He saw and loved people.
Love compelled Jesus to serve others. He washed His disciples' feet, pursued the marginalized, had ...