So here is something to think about, about how one ought to give...
'But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.' - Matthew 6:3
The Fasting Verses (cont.)
13 years ago
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Hmm this is a little cryptic. why should the right hand not know what the left is doing? Does he mean to say that we shouldn't boast about our generosity? That we should be so humble that if our right hand gives, even our left hand should not find out about it? That's the only interpretation I can think of that makes sense...
But this does bring up an interesting question - is it always bad to publicize what one is doing? After all, one can inspire by example - and as long as one doesn't boast about it, maybe it's all right to share with other people, so that we can learn from each other's actions?
Yes, it wasn't so cryptic after all eh? :) So what it means is one must resist the tempatation to seek glory or self-congratulation from one's acts of charity. And that's what left hand not knowing what the right hand does means. Of course, talking about the need to give alms for the unititated or providing guidance on how to for the lost, and inpsiring the uncertain is well within the larger goal of engaging oneself and the community in giving. This line specifically cautions against a more selfish motive of seeking attention or praise for something that is almost a duty and in some sense a repyament of our own debt to the Lord through service to the needy. For, doing so would then defeat the purpose of humble giving and become an exhibition of one's vanity instead.
agreed! :)
Post a Comment