Year of the Bible: Part Nine of TwelveSample

Giving and Praying Like Jesus

Matthew is a book written to believers, intending to help believers walk fully with Jesus. This passage from the Sermon on the Mount is commonly read as an instruction manual on giving and prayer, but there is also a deeper message to be discovered. Jesus was always pursuing the heart of the people he taught. He is concerned about our hearts also as we give and pray.

Jesus addressed the pride of the religious and challenges us to check our hearts, too! He tells us to give without the intent of being seen and acknowledged. Let God be the one who is blessed and honored in your giving. We want to be applauded by humans, but what attitude does that feed?

When Jesus talked about prayer, He again challenged our human tendency to seek approval and boost our self-pride. Often, new believers are afraid to pray out loud because they have no experience and don’t want to be judged for stumbling with their words. Satan tells them two lies: 1) some sort of prayer standard exists to get God to listen, and 2) the opinion of others matters. This should not be! In prayer, Jesus taught us to honor God, ask for His Kingdom to come here on earth, and ask for His help with sustenance and daily temptation. Prayer invites the Holy Spirit to fill us to the brim so we can live a God-honoring life.

Giving and praying like Jesus depends on the attitude of our hearts. We put aside pride and humble ourselves before the provider of all good things. God is most honored when we approach giving and prayer with humility and a willingness to give Him glory instead of receiving it for ourselves.

Question: Do you find yourself reveling in the praise of others due to your generosity or ability to pray eloquently?

Prayer: Take a moment to check your heart and see if you are feeding pride in your heart regarding your prayer ministry or generous giving. Ask God to teach you to humble yourself so He can lift you up!