| We who know the Lord ought to do all the good we can at all times to all men, “redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” And “as we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” But we ought to do so as quietly and unobtrusively as possible, “as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Our “alms,” our compassion, shown and done out of our love for the Lord and because of what He has done for us, ought to be done for Him, and not because we want to impress men. “Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites … that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 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.” Shall we “receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only?” “For not He that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth,” so “that no flesh should glory in His presence.” |
