From Matthew 6:1-4 / WHEN you give – 3 things. Note first: The idea here isn’t that everything must be done in secret, but rather that the motive must not be for the admiration of people, but for the pleasure of God. We do what we do that HE might see and be pleased, like a child seeking his or her parent’s approval – and no one else’s. This then will serve to build integrity in us. For this principle remains whether we are alone or in a crowd. We remain consistent for it is not for the approval or disapproval of any other but our Heavenly Father Himself – whether alone in the dark, or on the street corner. Note second: The idea is not that we might somehow earn brownie points or EARN His favor, but like a little child who learns a trick or a skill and then says to the parent “look at me”. Not out of great pride, but out of wanting the approbation of the one they love and look up to most. And oh how our Father, loves to see this in His children. How He delights in us. And how He responds with such joy and approval. Though the acts are so trifling in themselves, He looks upon us with such tenderness. Note third: As also with praying (5-6) and fasting (7-8) the operative word in each is WHEN, not “if”, when. There is an assumption on Jesus’ part that those who are His, will have bountiful hearts like His. When He turned the water into wine @ Cana, it hundreds of gallons. Far more than needed. When He fed the 5,000 there were 12 basketfuls of leftovers. When He fed the 4,000 there was again an abundance of more. In Luke 5 when He told Peter to let down his net again after catching nothing all night – the filled two boats nearly to the point of sinking. And when He died for our sins, grace abounded far more than our sins. There is no sin so great, so long indulged in, so heinous that the blood of the Lamb of God is not sufficient for – and not just for one – but if the whole world to repent and call out to Him. He gives and gives and gives. And without ostentation. Every drop pf water could be inscribed – proved by The Son. Ever leaf could bear the stamp of His name. He makes the sun to rise and the rains to fall on the just as well as the unjust. And John reminds is in 1 John 2 that if we do sin – we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He, is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. Not only is there no lack in Him, there is abundance beyond our ability to imagine. Believer, look to Him for everything. And give out of the abundance that has been given to you. Unbeliever – come. His blood is sufficient, even for you.