Jesus promises reward
The point of view that Jesus holds is that actions deserve a reward. He promises that the reward will be great in heaven for those who loyally bear persecution, and suffer insult without bitterness. [1]
Almsgiving to be done discreetly
Jesus warns us that if we make an outward show of piety for personal satisfaction from the praise of others, there will be no reward from God. Almsgiving is important, but needs to be done discreetly, with sensitivity for the feelings of the recipient. Do not give charity in a cold, unfeeling or humiliating way. Give charity with charm, discretion and courtesy, the alms coming from the good offices of God above, through you.
Do not let your left hand know what your right is doing
Jesus taught during His Sermon on the Mount, "Be careful not to practise your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So 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 honoured by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, Who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." [2]
[1] Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 5, verse 12
[2] Matthew 6: 1-4
With thanks to the Bible
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