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May 24, 2009

The Practice of Kingdom Life


What are the three acts of righteousness that Jesus gave much importance to?  Why did He say that they should be done in secrecy?

What are the three acts of righteousness that Jesus gave much importance to?  Why did He say that they should be done in secrecy?

 

Matthew 6:1-18 gives an informative teaching concerning three good habits of Kingdom life.  Jesus talks about giving, praying, and fasting.  He said that when you give to the poor, you should not blow a trumpet and call the poor so that you can make a show of your giving.

 

Rather Jesus said that if your charitable deeds are done in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.  We are told not to be a hypocrite or play actor when it comes to giving.

 

Jewish tradition said that there was in the temple a "chamber of secrets" into which the devout people used to put their gifts in secret so that the poor could also receive support in secret.  God certainly looks at the motive for our giving.