when you give (Matt6:2-4)

Matthew 6:2-4

Thus when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly I say to you, they have received their reward. 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. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

• when you give to the needy, not if. Are we actually giving to the needy? Jesus assumes that it would be a normal part of the Christian's life
• don't blow your own trumpet - are we talking about an act of generousity because it's necessary or because we want others to know about it. Outlandish self-promotion is not usually the British way... but we've just learned to do it more subtly.
• hypocrites - actors. As christians, are our lives consistent? Are we the same on the inside and out? Or have we learned how to play the part of the Christian in certain places and at certain times.
• in the synagogues and streets...; that they may be praised by others. Where are we looking for praise? Whether it's inside the church or outside, we are looking to impress the wrong people. Man's approval may be nice but ultimately counts for nothing. Is our giving motivated by a love for God and others or by a love for ourselves that wants the approval of others.
• give in secret - are we as keen to give if no one knows about it? That may reveal our motivation. If the motivation is love for God and others, then we just want to help, regardless of who gets the credit
• God sees - God sees everything we do and knows the reasons. Others may be fooled by our act but he isn't
• rewards? Material? maybe but this isn't a system. God doesn't need our money, it's already his. he is inviting us to participate in what he is doing, like a father giving a child some money to buy a present for their brother.

Naturally, we want to get, not give. The gospel tells us about God, the great giver, who has not only given us life and everything we have, but also gave his Son up to death in our place so that we could receive the great gift of life with Him.