Assessing ‘Hashtag’ Benevolence

Daily Devotional – Monday, January 30, 2023
But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.
Matthew 6:3 (NKJV)

As the inequality gap grows steadily, the need for charity becomes even more acute. Natural disasters also make it necessary to come to the aid of countless affected people. Unfortunately, there is also a marked increase in ‘hashtag’ benevolence.

What is ‘Hashtag’ Benevolence?

This is an approach to giving that revolves more around the giver than the receiver. It entails creating a buzz around charitable activities to ensure the benefactor receives recognition, praise and publicity from the public.

For example, a person visits a children’s home or a home for the elderly to donate food and clothing, but the event will not proceed unless the media covers it. The poor recipients have to line up before the cameras and give brief speeches praising the donor.

Giving for the Cameras

‘Hashtag’ benevolence is evident when politicians appear during a tragedy to give foodstuff and other materials with the media in tow. Even when the items they donate have little impact compared to the existing needs, these leaders must bask in glory.

Taking photos and videos while helping the needy and sharing the information on social media using hashtags may appear cool in the eyes of the masses but it contravenes Christ’s teachings on giving.

Practise Your Charity in Secret

The Lord taught us, “…when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:3-4).

We do not give because we want people to notice but because we genuinely want to assist the needy. When we remember that what we claim to own belongs to God, we will ascribe all glory to Him, not to ourselves.

Assessing Hashtag Benevolence

Moreover, if we put ourselves in the shoes of those we are helping, we will avoid embarrassing them through unnecessary exposure on mainstream and social media. This type of respectful and humble charity attracts God’s unconcealed blessings.

‘Hashtag’ benevolence takes away the glory that belongs to God only, denigrates the recipient, and inflates our egos. If we have genuine concern for the needy, we will create a scene when helping them.

Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, make me humble enough to perform my charity is secret and to avoid ‘hashtag’ benevolence.