Commentary on the New Testament

The Sermon on the Mount – Spiritual Work in Secret – Almsgiving

✝️ The Main Idea

The lecture discusses the concept of true spiritual work, especially almsgiving, explaining that its true value lies in secrecy and purity of heart, not in outward appearance or seeking the glory of people.

📖 Inner Spiritual Work

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III focuses on that:

• True worship is an inner relationship between الإنسان and God
• Sin begins in the heart before appearing in action
• Likewise, virtue also begins in the heart

❤️ Almsgiving in the Spiritual Concept

Almsgiving is not just material giving, but:

• An expression of mercy and love toward others
• A sign of purity of heart
• A part of true worship

⚖️ The Difference Between Secrecy and Vain Glory

It is not wrong that people see the good deed, but the wrong is:

• That your goal is that people see you
• Or that you seek their praise and glorification

So the inner intention is the foundation.

🌿 How Almsgiving is in Secret

• Do not boast about what you give
• Do not talk about your deeds
• Do not occupy yourself thinking about them much
• Try to forget them after doing them

Until a person reaches complete purity in giving.

🕊 Human Dimension

Announcing almsgiving may hurt the feelings of the poor, therefore:

• The dignity of the needy must be respected
• Giving should be with love and concealment
• Avoid any behavior that makes the other feel humiliated

🙏 The True Motive for Giving

Giving is not:

• For reward
• Or as if it is a transaction with God

But it is:

• Love for goodness
• Love for people
• And joy in making others happy

🌟 The True Reward

God sees everything in secret and rewards:

• Either in eternal life
• Or even in the present life with blessing

And almsgiving is the only wealth that remains for الإنسان after his departure.

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