Charles Spurgeon and his wife, would sell, but refused to give away the eggs their chickens laid.

Even their close relatives were told, “You can have them if you pay for them.”

As a result, some people labeled the Spurgeons greedy and grasping.

They accepted the criticisms without defending themselves, and only after Mrs. Spurgeon died was the full story revealed: All the profits from the sale of eggs went to support two elderly widows.

Because the Spurgeons were unwilling to let their left hand know what the right hand was doing (Matthew 6:3), they endured the attacks in silence.

“But when you give to the poor and do acts of kindness, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, give in complete secrecy, so that your charitable acts will be done in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret.” Matthew 6:3-4.

The metaphor of not letting our left hand know what our right hand is doing serves us a reminder to keep our acts of kindness and charity private.

I know! I know! It feels nice to be observed among peers or donor groups as a giver… but the reward then is, publicly you receive a but of an ego boost and maybe a placard with your name on it, affixed to a wall or a Church bench. The reward is often a public stroke of the ego.

Humble, sacrificial generosity isn’t about seeking praise or recognition from others.

Instead, it’s about giving out of love and compassion. It’s a call to develop a spirit of selflessness.

In a world where social media often highlights public acts of kindness, this message feels particularly relevant tight now.

Jesus wants us to examine our motivations and avoid performing good deeds for the sake of appearances.

People get excited and want to give and help and do, even taking selfies with the items they’re sending to help others with, but other small local organizations, widows, orphans, small support ministries, who also depend upon those that would graciously donate, go without because funds are diverted to an emotional cause in the moment.

True generosity comes from the heart and is done prayerfully, quietly, and humbly. It’s this sincerity that God honors.

It’s good to be reminded of the importance of humility in our acts of kindness, since our true blessing lies in knowing that we have made a difference in someone’s life without needing accolades, and most importantly, we asked The LORD about when,
where,
how,
what…
…and who…
…He would have us give to.

 

In His Shadow,
~ Mary Lindow ^©

Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed as long as complete message and website information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You!
” THE MESSENGER ” ~ Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com
Global Prayer Rooms

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Mary Lindow has a passion for encouraging others – all generations, careers or vocations to live expressing excellence through personal integrity, healthy accountability, and wise management of talents and skills. She’s a sought after keynote, inspirational, humorous speaker and teacher across the USA and internationally in Ministers & Spiritual leaders Conferences, and training seminars for various organizations.

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