What Jesus Did! 'Sharing God's Kindness' — Matthew 6:2-4

Monday, March 8, 2021

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

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[Jesus continued:] "When you give to someone in need, don't do as the hypocrites do — blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you."
— Matthew 6:2-4 NLT

Key Thought

Giving to the needy has always been a hallmark of God's people. But the goal of helping others is to bring honor to the name of the Lord, not to develop a name for ourselves. We are to let our light shine so God is glorified, not for our glory. We are blessed with what we have because God wants us to share with those in need. We are here to be conduits of his blessings. Our sharing should be such an everyday part of life that we don't even think about it, much less think about others noticing that we did it. While it is not our motivation for caring, it is comforting that God will not forget our deeds of kindness or the love we've shown to those less fortunate (Matthew 25:31-40).

Today's Prayer

Holy and giving God, you are so generous with us, your children. Father, please help us and especially please stir me to be more generous with those in need. I confess that I find it easy to be cynical, at times, with those in need. But after getting to know them, their story, and their hurt, I know they need your love and blessings as much as I do. Father, I also know that you have put me here to share with them. So, dear Lord, please make me an instrument of your grace and teach me to share what you have given me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Corinthians 9:11
  • Galatians 1:10
  • James 1:27

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 6:2-4 NLT — "When you give to someone in need, don't do as the hypocrites do — blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity!"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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