Matthew 6:3-5 & Tax Write Offs

[Pard]

Matthew 6:3-5
So when you give to the poor, don't let anyone know what you are doing. Your giving should be done in secret. Your father can see what is done in secret, and he will reward you.

One of the people in the teen section posted this and I got to wondering:

"How does this effect the concept of tax write offs for charitable donations?"

Any remarks?

 

[Mike S]

Matthew 6:3-5
So when you give to the poor, don't let anyone know what you are doing. Your giving should be done in secret. Your father can see what is done in secret, and he will reward you.

One of the people in the teen section posted this and I got to wondering:

"How does this effect the concept of tax write offs for charitable donations?"

Any remarks?

Pard,

I think this scripture refers to people donating to the poor in such as way as to make it obvious to everyone else, as a way of saying "See how good I am, I'm giving lots of money to the poor." They do it for public display. Giving in secret, I think, really means giving without bragging about it or making an ostentatious display of it. Agape love is at the center of giving without bragging.

I don't think most people who report giving on their tax forms are looking for it to be a public display. Most, I think, are pretty private about it.

 

[Mike]

I don't look at taxes as giving to the poor, anyway. It would be giving your user-earned money to your rich uncle who has nothing in his bank account because he owns 10 homes and 30 cars, and then he gives a little of your money to people who are supposedly helping the needy but can't manage what they are given themselves. I don't feel guilty finding a loophole so he can't buy another car. I think most people would feel their money is doing the Lord's work to His Purpose much more wisely when they skip the middleman and help the poor themselves. Or maybe they give it to their poor uncle who lives a meager life so more money can help the poor.

I hate to railroad this topic already, Ian, but let's not confuse forced taxes with charitable giving. Mark had the key, anyway, so it seemed to be concluded with your first response.

 

[reba]

Matthew 6:3-5
So when you give to the poor, don't let anyone know what you are doing. Your giving should be done in secret. Your father can see what is done in secret, and he will reward you.

One of the people in the teen section posted this and I got to wondering:

"How does this effect the concept of tax write offs for charitable donations?"

Any remarks?

It just doesn't!

Our 1040's are supposed to be privet. I would do what ever to keep funds out of the hands of our government.