Scripture
Observation
This verse is the part of the Sermon on the Mount which Jesus Christ preached to the disciples, it was in the hearing of the multitudes (note Matthew 7:28) with hope to prepare the hearts of the people to receive the Gospel. Herein Jesus warns His followers not to act like those hypocrites. He says “when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you”. Hypocrites do this duty not as an act of love or obedience to God, but in pride and vainglory. They have no compassion to the poor, all their charity is a boasting of self-esteem and acting for display to extolled themselves in the eyes of the people – “that they may be praised by others”. But the irony for such almsgivers is that “they have received their reward” of public and professional acclaim, but that is all the reward they would ever receive.
Application
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
- In your life, have you ever given to the poor or helped to the needy?
- What was your motives?
- Do you serve God or yourself?
- How did you feel about it?
- Did you expect for any rewards? From who?
Prayer
Our Heavenly Father, we adore and glorify Your name. We thank You for the mercy You gave us through the sacrifice of your Son our Savoir Jesus Christ. Lord, we pray that you may give us wisdom and understanding of Your Holy Word which You revealed to us. We ask that the Holy Spirit will guide us and help us to test ourselves, and our hearts before You, when we do serve You by showing love and sharing the gifts you gave us. Whether it is money, time, or attention. Let us not be as those hypocrites who seek for the glory from others, but rather let us do these actions out of love for others and love for our God.
All these we pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
