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Showing posts with the label Matthew 6:1

Generosity, tithing and our motives

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Jesus and Saint Peter, Gospel of Matthew 4.18-20 Français : Jésus et Saint Pierre, Évangile selon Matthieu 4.18-20 (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Matthew 6:1 –4 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven” (v. 1). Society is apt to take notice whenever the wealthy establish a foundation for the sake of charitable giving. Such persons are lauded for their generosity and good work in giving to those in need. More often than not, these people seek this publicity, wanting us to know how open-handed they truly are. The world pursues the accolades of men, but God’s people are not to do the same. In fact, if we practice righteousness for the accolades of other people, Jesus tells us we have no reward from our Father in heaven ( Matt. 6:1). He applies this general principle to the three chief acts of Jewish piety —  almsgiving , prayer, and fasting — beginning in this passage w

Do you give to God with discretion?

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Image via Wikipedia Matthew 6:1-4    Augustine says, "The praise of others need not even be sought by one who acts rightly" ( Sermon on the Mount , 2.2.5). Keeping track of our giving is not inconsistent with the Lord's admonition that we do not let our right hand know what the left one is doing. Yet we are not to keep track so that we may show others just how good we are. As you give your money to the poor, ask yourself if you desire the praise of men more than God 's commendation. Related articles Re-Hacked: My Scripture Top 5 (christianlifehacker.wordpress.com) Week 3 (aprilbiblein1year.wordpress.com) SERMON ON THE MOUNT: Matthew 5:1-11, The Message (frankjo.wordpress.com) Sermon: Wednesday, February 22, 2012: Ash Wednesday (byproclamation.wordpress.com) Allison-The Sermon on the Mount, Anger (theoutwardquest.wordpress.com) Now Available! Living Blessedly by J. Yuile (heritagebooktalk.org) Discipleship and the Contemporary Church (instrument-rated