2 "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Although the emphasis of Jesus' instructions is on giving, there is also comment on receiving. Those who give to be seen by men get their reward. Those who give in secret, those who give when your left hand doesn't know what your right hand is doing, are those your Father sees and will reward you.
Acts of kindness, even anonymous acts, and acts that do not draw attention to yourself are blessed and will be rewarded if you have already accepted God's gift of Jesus Christ.
Many people are great givers, but lousy receivers. Do you know that when the Bible says it is more blessed to give than receive, it isn't saying it is wrong to receive?
First, if we are not receivers, we are not Christians. Foremost God is the giver of life eternal, and forgiveness of sin and we must receive that gift. The trouble with many people is that they believe in God, and out of fear or works want to give acts of good works and money so that they will be accepted. They try to appease God in this manner. Many pagan religions teach if the faithful give so much then the gods will look favorably upon them so they will be forgiven.
But that is true with man today. When asked, "Do you think you are going to heaven?" will answer by saying, "I hope so?" Friends, we can be sure. For there is only one way and that is to receive Jesus. John 2:23 For as many as received him, (Jesus) to them he gave the right to become the sons (or children) of God, even to them who believe in his name.” John also says in his letter, "He who has the son has life, and he who does not have the son of God does not have life."
God doesn't make us acceptable by our giving Him anything, but we are made acceptable by receiving someone. Receiving Jesus means praying and committing our life to Him, asking him to take control over your will.
Secondly, we are receivers in other ways than just salvation. Mary and Joseph received gold, frankincense and myrrh on behalf of Jesus. For the wise men to be givers the holy family needed to be receivers. What would happen if they had refused the gift and said they just couldn't accept gifts from strangers?
One problem with receivers of course, is the problem of ethics. People who are desirous with a pure heart to serve God and give to Him are many times taken in by people who misuse and abuse the money they have received as a gift for need by spending it in ways that are improper or not with the intent provided.
Prayer: Lord, make me a cheerful giver. Teach me to practice generosity in my daily living. I love You Lord.
