But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 6:3-4 NIV
Giving
Canadians donate their time, money, energy, and skills to the causes that matter to them the most. These individuals are the foundational support for Canada’s more than 161,000 charities and non-profits which, in turn, support our communities’ social fabric and quality of life. In a recent poll, 89% of Canadians give out of compassion for those in need and 85% personally believe in a cause and want to help. 79% give because they want to contribute to their community and 61% are personally affected by an organization’s cause. 29% give because of religious beliefs.
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Christians are known to be generous people. This is as it should be. We understand that all we have comes from our God who loves us and provides all that we need in this life and in the next. If all we have comes from the loving heart and hand of our Creator God, then we have no issue giving it away again. Jesus teaches this in Matthew 6:3-4: “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Jesus’ command here doesn’t start with “if you give,” but “when you give.” It is the Lord’s expectation that His people will be generous. He calls each of us to give freely of all He has provided us. It isn’t an option for God’s people. To whom is God calling you to give today?
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley