“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. Matthew 6:1
“Man requires money for money, and this is not always at the debtor’s command. God demands the affection of the heart, which is in our own power . . . Prayer, fasting, and tears are the resources of an honest debtor, and much more abundant than if one from the price of his estate offered money without faith . . . For God requires not money but faith . . . For what would the giving of one’s whole property benefit without charity? There are some who aim at the credit of generosity for pride alone, because they wish thereby to gain the good opinion of the multitude for leaving nothing to themselves; but whilst they are seeking rewards in this life, they are laying up none for the life to come, and having received their reward here they cannot hope for it there.”
Aurelius Ambrosius (c. 340-397) a.k.a. Ambrose of Milan, in On the Duties of the Clergy, 2.9.81-84.
We have made our way to the fourth century (and I am thankful to be home). I hope you are enjoying this fresh journey through church history looking at providence and generosity.
Ambrose was known for his candor. Here he shines light on the fact that many people give for pride or praise rather than from humble hearts filled with love. What about us? Let us give the gifts of prayer, fasting, and tears so that our hearts are right before God. And when we give property, let’s be sure we do it with charity. Remember, God is not looking for money. He does not need it. Man looks for money. God’s looking for people with faith that demonstrates itself through generosity with humility and charity. He not only loves such givers; He will reward them greatly in heaven.