Since God is more interested in motives than our works, how do we know our motives are correct? I have a little “something” I do & try to make sure the recipient doesn’t know who I am. I include a verse so God receives the glory, and hesitate to share so I don’t appear to “blow my own horn”. However I actually REALLY enjoy doing this. I find it very fulfilling. How do I know when/if I’ve stepped over the line & am just doing it for my own satisfaction?
From Acts 20:35 we learn that it’s more blessed to give than to receive.
Like everything we do that’s in the Lord’s will, giving always brings blessing and there’s no greater blessing than knowing you’ve done it in a way that pleases Him.
As He advised us to do in Matt. 6:3-4, you do your giving in secret, making sure He alone gets the credit. The good feelings you experience in return are a sign of His blessing, and there’s nothing wrong with enjoying them.
If you ever begin bragging about what you’re doing in order to win the recognition of others, then you will know you’ve stepped over the line (Matt. 6:2).
But the Lord also promised more than the good feelings we get from giving to others. He said, “Give and it will be given unto you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38).
The Lord loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:7) and responding in kind is another way in which He shows His appreciation.
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Cor. 9:8).