Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.- Proverbs 19:17
In a world where validation and recognition on social media seem to define our worth, a recent post caught my attention. It featured a heartfelt story about a compassionate individual who had encountered a jobless man on the streets. Filled with empathy, this person offered the man a job at his company, a transformative opportunity that would change his life for the better. The self-written post garnered an overwhelming response, flooded with shares, likes, and appreciative comments praising this act of kindness, many commending the man who posted this as the embodiment of what our world needs more of.
Reflecting on this phenomenon, I couldn’t help but ponder the deeper implications. As a follower of Jesus, we should remember that seeking approval from others should not be our ultimate goal. Instead, we should strive for the approval of our Savior, who looks into our hearts and discerns our true intentions. The rewards He bestows upon us for our righteous actions far surpass any recognition or validation the world can offer. Even though the actions described in the post is admirable, it is the true intentions of the man that gets rewarded eternally.
During Jesus’ time, the Jewish people engaged in similar practices. When they gave to the needy, they made a spectacle of it, desiring to be seen and honored by others. Yet, Jesus challenges this approach. He says, “When you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others.”
Instead, Jesus encourages us to perform acts of kindness in secrecy, without drawing attention to ourselves. He advises us not to let our left hand know what our right hand is doing. By doing so, our giving becomes an intimate and sincere act, devoid of any desire for external praise. And in this hidden generosity, our Heavenly Father, who sees all things done in secret, promises to reward us abundantly.
So, while the world may crave recognition and affirmation, as followers of Jesus, our focus should be on the approval and reward that comes from Him alone. Let our actions be motivated by genuine compassion and love for others, seeking to make a difference without seeking the applause of the masses. In doing so, we align ourselves with the teachings of Christ and experience the profound joy that comes from selfless acts performed for His glory.
