Monday November 02nd,2020
Memorize: Matthew 10:42 God’s Words Translations (GWT)
« I can guarantee this truth: Whoever gives any of my humble followers a cup of cold water because that person is my disciple will certainly never lose their reward. »
Read: Matthew 6:1-6 Good News Translation (GNT)
1 “Make certain you do not perform your religious duties in public so that people will see what you do. If you do these things publicly, you will not have any reward from your Father in heaven.
2 “So when you give something to a needy person, do not make a big show of it, as the hypocrites do in the houses of worship and on the streets. They do it so that people will praise them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full.
3 But when you help a needy person, do it in such a way that even your closest friend will not know about it.
4 Then it will be a private matter. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you.
5 “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites! They love to stand up and pray in the houses of worship and on the street corners, so that everyone will see them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full.
6 But when you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you.
Message:
Expecting reciprocal help from those you have helped may not be wise. God does not always work that way.
« Why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you? Even the tax collectors do that! »
Matthew 5:46GNT
In today’s memory verse, Jesus promises a reward to whoever gives a drink to any young defenseless person for the gospel’s sake. This is indeed encouraging and reassuring.
Going by this, as children of God, we must do good to all men, regardless of their affiliations.
That way, we will be like our imperial Father who causes the rain to fall and sun to shine on both the good and the evil.
Sometimes ago, a Christian couple fed an unbelieving young man. The gesture eventually made him give his life to Christ. Today, that young man is the founder of a successful Christian organization with many branches across Nigeria. Imagine the effects of one good deed.
Jesus warned against doing good deeds because of the praise of men (Matthew 6:1-6). For many years, Christians generally adhered to this. However, things are changing really fast today. Some people even publicize their trips to motherless babies’ homes. Jesus say in Matthew 6:2NLT:
« 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. »
The Lord wants you to always do good to your neighbors. This way, you will show you are a true child of your Father.
« …. If you want to be happy, be kind to the poor. » (Proverbs 14:21 GNT).
Follow peace with all men and show kindness to everyone. God will surely reward you.
Action point: Look out for the poor in your community and be good to them.
Author: Pst E. A. Adeboye.
Text edited by Naomie
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May the Lord who sees and knows all things reward your many hours of labor of love.