16/11/2022 - DON’T LOOK FOR APPLAUSE

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Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Matthew 6.1

Jesus spoke of something simple, but difficult for man to accomplish: to give alms without publicizing this gesture. According to the Master, we don’t have to seek people’s appreciation. Now, offering a crumb is something small, but there is a devil that makes our hearts close, preventing us from helping someone. But knowing that the act of giving will have positive repercussions, causing a good image, “volunteers” form lines to assist the afflicted. More important is the intention to help them out of obedience to the Lord.

The Master warns us not to do good in order to be applauded. Our purpose must be to help those who have nothing to offer in return. The one devoid of material possessions or the one lost in sins – needs to understand who the Son of God is and, by accepting Him as Savior, will discover the transforming power of the Lord, which is able to change their life radically. Then others will desire to experience the matchless love of Heaven.

It is salutary to know God’s will to use us to welcome the needy in any area of life – material or spiritual. There is a reward with the Father for those who do this, so why not believe His words and begin to assist the less fortunate (Proverbs 19.17)? Think of the reward as something from the Lord, who works abundantly when we meet His conditions.

The devil will do everything for us not to help someone with this act of love, which we owe to everyone. But if we needed the outstretched hands of the saved, we would know how to give thanks for such a gesture. We have to invest in the reward to be given by God on the last Day. It is time to imitate David, when he spoke: For who will heed you in this matter? But as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike.” (1 Samuel 30.24). God sees everything!

The Master spoke about the man who was robbed, beaten by robbers and left almost dead. Although a priest and a Levite passed by, there was someone good-hearted, like the Samaritan, who was touched and provided help to the dying man. Before going on his journey, the Samaritan took money out of his pocket and gave it to the host, entrusting him to take care of the recovering sick man, with the guarantee of reimbursement if he exceeded the amount paid (Luke 10.30-35). Always do that which is good!

Who would we be today if the Lord had not had mercy on us and spoken to our hearts, using someone to evangelize us? Just as this servant obeyed Him and told us about Jesus in order to achieve salvation, we should minister to those whom the Holy Spirit says need our faith. This is a great investment in the Kingdom of Heaven, for besides feeling good, we will be placed in the promise of Luke 6.38. Believe in it and receive it!

If it is up to you, never advertise any charitable work that the Lord has instructed you to do. There is a reward for those who are sensitive to their neighbor’s difficulty and supply it. Never say no to God, because it hurts Him. When He chooses us to look after someone, He puts us on the list of the rewarded. It is a blessing to heed the touches of the Most High!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares