How generous I am!
Charles Spurgeon
SUMMARY: Don't give to the poor to be seen by others, but give generously and without seeking reward. Keep your charity hidden even from yourself and let God reward you in His own way and time. The joy and satisfaction of secretly helping others is greater than any material reward. God sees and records your generosity, and will choose the best way to reward you, which may take an eternity to reveal.
No promise is made to those who give to the poor to be seen by men. They receive their reward immediately, and cannot expect a double payment.
Let's hide our charity; yes, let's hide it even from ourselves. Give so often and give generously, as a matter of course, to the point that it is no longer noticeable to have helped the poor than to have eaten their regular meals. Give your alms without even whispering: "How generous I am!" Don't try to reward yourself. Leave that matter to God, who never fails to see, record, and reward. Blessed is the man who is secretly occupied with his generosity: he finds special joy in his unknown benevolences. This is the bread that, eaten stealthily, is more delicious than the banquets of kings.
Let's hide our charity; yes, let's hide it even from ourselves. Give so often and give generously, as a matter of course, to the point that it is no longer noticeable to have helped the poor than to have eaten their regular meals. Give your alms without even whispering: "How generous I am!" Don't try to reward yourself. Leave that matter to God, who never fails to see, record, and reward. Blessed is the man who is secretly occupied with his generosity: he finds special joy in his unknown benevolences. This is the bread that, eaten stealthily, is more delicious than the banquets of kings.
