March 2

Charles Spurgeon · Faith's Checkbook

GIVING WITHOUT A WHISPER

   "But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right
   hand doeth: that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which
   seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly" Matt. 6:3,4

   No promise is made to those who give to the poor to be seen of men.
   They have their reward at once, and cannot expect to be paid twice.

   Let us hide away our charity; -- yes, hide it even from ourselves. Give
   so often and so much as a matter of course, that you no more take note
   that you have helped the poor than that you have eaten your regular
   meals. Do your alms without even whispering to yourself, "How generous
   I am!" Do not thus attempt to reward yourself. Leave the matter with
   God, who never fails to see, to record, and to reward. Blessed is the
   man who is busy in secret with his kindness: he finds a special joy in
   his unknown benevolences. This is the bread, which eaten by stealth, is
   sweeter than the banquets of kings. How can I indulge myself today with
   this delightful luxury? Let me have a real feast of tenderness and flow
   of soul.

   Here and hereafter the Lord, Himself, will personally see to the
   rewarding of the secret giver of alms. This will be in His own way and
   time; and He will choose the very best. How much this promise means it
   will need eternity to reveal.