
Matthew 6: 1-4
"Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your father in heaven. 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 others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
I think the message here is about intent. Are we giving to look good, or giving to do good? The intent must be love, compassion or generosity for the sake of love. If I have some other purpose, there may be something else I need to consider.
Father God, there are times I have struggled with this. Help me to no longer seek recognition or honor for any of the things I do to love your creation. This is between you and me. Amen
Becky, transforming
Matthew 6:1–4 I am always embarrassed when someone calls attention to me about something I’ve done. Most people know that what I do is for someone else. It’s not about me. People who know me, know I work for Jesus through Hillside church. As Tom said, it’s about the recipient not the giver. I believe that is what I am called to do as a child of God. I should be generous in sharing my talents and blessings. Prayer: gracious God, you’ve given me so much. I am happy to share it with others as you lead me. Amen
Tuesday
December 13th, 2022
Matthew 6: 1-4
The first lesson Jesus gives us here is giving to those in need. These leaders were inclined to make a show of their charity. However they did it, many of them trumpeted their charitable gifts.They were pretending to be something they weren't, and doing it all for the approval of others. But what about us? What about me When it comes to living out my faith, What drives me to give, to pray, to read, to show up, to serve, to be in agreement? Jesus wants me to ask myself am I doing what I'm doing for God and God alone. Is it his glory I seek, Is it love for God tha…
Matthew 6: 1-4 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. “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 others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
My responsibility as a Christian is to…
Matthew 6: 1-4
Jesus reminds us that generosity should honor the recipient and not the giver. Should the time ever come that one is publicly recognized for their charity, that is the time to give the glory to God and exhort others to do the same. Inspiring others to share their blessings extends the circle of generosity to reach even more in need.
Prayer - Jesus, Teacher, Lord, I pray Your Spirit would shape my motivation toward generosity. May it always be about the recipient and not about the giver. My true reward is in the blessing of sharing and not in having others notice. Amen