Love In"deed"

"But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly."

Matthew 6:3-4

I think of this verse often when I see the offering plate make its rounds on Sunday mornings. For quite a long time I gave out of fear that others might see my hand hesitate; that I may not be doing my "Christian" duty. I have since learned that God sees everything, and the vision of man is a naturally "skewed" perspective. Offering, like many other types of giving, can be seen from such a distorted vantage point. It is written, "ask and you shall receive." So very little does God ask of us, and yet we can so quickly become consumed in what others see us "doing." When we meditate on God's perspective... how He might perceive our deeds... we find that our motivations become in line with His.

When you give, do, or speak as a Christian, your reward is already had in the Love that Christ gives you through the Holy Spirit. I realize that there is scripture, which speaks to receiving seven times what is invested in the Kingdom. But, I would challenge you all to give without expectation; in thought and in deed. God loves the cheerful giver... and rewards with joy beyond measure.