Scripture: Matthew 6:2-4
“So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Thought for the Day: The author, Shannon Alder, brings it home with the statement:
Often those that criticism others
reveal what they themselves lack.
As human beings, we will do all kinds of things to keep people from seeing our true self. This is often the case when who we are and what we are doing is either embarrassing or difficult to justify. In response to our internal discomfort, we draw attention away from ourselves. We quickly point out the failures of others, judging them with a bit of arrogance and self-righteousness. As followers of Jesus, the one who invited us to live the genuine life, let us seek honest self-reflection…a regular internal evaluation of where we need some work.
Prayer: Lead us onto the path of genuine living, O Lord of Everlasting Love. When it is difficult, and true confession is necessary, allow us to lean on your grace. Amen.
