We are encouraged to make sacrifices for others. The adverts and news segments on TV about those in crisis can pull at our heart strings and there are so many needs in our own country let alone the rest of the world. Here are some sobering verses about our motivation to help others from Matthew.
“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. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 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. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. ” Matthew 6:1-6, ESV.
Wow and if those verses don’t challenge us what about the subject of fasting.
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:16-18.
It is good to care for others and it is vital that we pray as is beautifully shown to us in the example of the Lord’s Prayer. Be humble in your actions, whether you are fasting or feasting. Be aware that God will bless you as you do this from a pure heart, a heart that just wants to bless others.