When you do a charitable deed

Matthew 6: 1-4

Story & Lessons

The Lord Jesus shows how we should practice our righteousness.

The problem with the Pharisees was that they wanted to be seen and praised by men when they gave to the poor, when they prayed and when they fasted.

We must not be like them!

We must seeks God’s glory rather than self-glory.

We must love our neighbor.

Jesus expects us to be generous in giving to the needy.

"When you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets" (2).

Reflection...

If we only give because we want people to think well of us, or if we want everyone to know that we are generous, our motives are sinful!

Those who want the praise of men will get the reward they are seeking — the praise of men! They will have nothing from God!

When we give, we should afterwards forget about what we have given and get on with our lives.

We are only able to show benevolence to others because the Lord has blessed us.

All that we have, we owe to his goodness.

Our Father in heaven sees our hearts, sees our motives, sees all that we do, and he remembers.

What great rewards await those who serve the Lord for His own glory!

Love Your Enemies

Matthew 5: 43-48

Story & Lessons

The Jews had narrowed down the meaning of ‘neighbor’ to those whom they loved.

But Jesus said, "Love your enemies" (44).

This is one of the most difficult commands to keep.

Satan has spoiled their lives and we must overcome their evil with good.

Remember that they are enslaved by Satan, lost and bound for hell.

Love has won many a hostile sinners to Christ.

Our attitude to others must not be determined by what they do to us.

"Love your enemies, etc… that you may be sons of your Father in heaven" (44-45).

We must be like our heavenly Father who shows His love every day to his enemies.

If we only love those who love us, we are no different to the ungodly.

Reflection...

How are we to love our enemies?
- In our words : "Bless those who curse you."
- In our actions : "Do good to those who hate you."
- By praying for them : "Pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you".

We must aim for perfection; we must not be satisfied with anything that falls short of it.

We are children of our father in heaven and we must reflect his love in our own lives.

Let us also remember that the Lord Jesus prayed for his enemies who nailed him to the cross.

The demand that our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees (20) is far reaching.

What is your attitude to your enemies? When did you last pray for those who have hurt you?

Love Is The Fulfillment Of The Law

Matthew 5: 38-42

Story & Lessons

“An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” was given to ensure that the punishment was appropriate to the crime.

But Jesus warns us that we must not seek personal revenge when we are wronged.

This does not mean that when we are the victims of crime, we should not press charges against the criminal.

Evil-doers must be punished in the civil courts. When criminals are not adequately punished, law and order breaks down and criminals are left free to inflict their evil deeds on more victims.

To be slapped on the cheek was a great insult which could be punished by a very heavy fine.

But Jesus is not telling us to invite further suffering, but to respond to insults by being gracious.

Jesus said that we should not insist on our rights – “let him take your cloak also”.

The Jews hated the Roman practice which compelled them to carry a soldier’s load for a mile.

Jesus said that his followers should go the second mile with the load.

Reflection...

There is much talk today of standing on our rights.

Jesus calls us to self-denial in our reaction to those who have wronged us.

Did you turn the other cheek the last time you were wronged?

The Lord Jesus goes on to tell us to give to him who asks us and to freely lend our possessions.

This does not mean that we should encourage those who are lazy but that we must help those in genuine need.