Secret Pal
Matthew 6:2-4 “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 honored by men. I tell you the
truth, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the
needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that
your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in
secret, will reward you.”
THERE is this “secret pal” relationship some of you ladies
periodically form. A group of you will draw names and keep the name of the person
you draw a secret. You will anonymously care for the person through prayer, a
birthday card, anniversary card and other encouragement. You are a “pal” as you
come alongside another in this way. Usually, I believe, the group meets at the
end of a year to reveal to one another who has been each other’s secret pal.
I used to think this
ministry form a bit odd. Why would I want to get a card from an unidentified source?
Why would I want to send a card or birthday present to someone without the
opportunity to be thanked? Wouldn’t it be good for the person to know I’m
praying for them? Being anonymous didn’t fit into my framework of loving relationships.
But Jesus’ words
cause me to think again. My desire to be thanked was too self-focused. Receiving
a thank you with grace is a good thing, but the motivating reasons to care for
another are the recipient’s benefit and the Lord’s glory.
Giving anonymously
turns your heart more easily to your “pal”, and you understand more fully how
to love your neighbor as yourself.
LIFE Link: God rewards the secret pals.
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