December 29, 2025
Matthew 6:1-8 (HCSB)
How to Give
6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of people, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 So whenever you give to the poor, don’t sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be applauded by people. I assure you: They’ve got their reward! 3 But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
How to Pray
5 “Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. I assure you: They’ve got their reward! 6 But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.7 When you pray, don’t babble like the idolaters, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words. 8 Don’t be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask Him.
Terri Noah
In our lesson this week Jesus speaks. What a privilege it is to see those red letters of Jesus' words and instructions. Our current culture says that being "internet famous" is a goal to which we should aspire. People post their daily lives and create videos highlighting their unique skills. We even see videos with acts of horror and heroism. Most of these videos are looking to go viral, to be seen by the masses for approval and even outrage. Social media and our culture tell us this is what makes us special and set apart. But Jesus...He tells us to perform acts of righteousness and prayer in secret. The Pharisees made everything they did a larger-than-life production, so that they would be considered holy and righteous. But we know that Jesus instructs us to pray and give alms in private for the Father only to see. The truth is that the Lord sees so much more than just actions. He sees our heart. He determines our worth and provides the blessings that are eternal, unlike the temporary applause of people.
How to Give
6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of people, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 So whenever you give to the poor, don’t sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be applauded by people. I assure you: They’ve got their reward! 3 But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
How to Pray
5 “Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. I assure you: They’ve got their reward! 6 But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.7 When you pray, don’t babble like the idolaters, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words. 8 Don’t be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask Him.
Terri Noah
In our lesson this week Jesus speaks. What a privilege it is to see those red letters of Jesus' words and instructions. Our current culture says that being "internet famous" is a goal to which we should aspire. People post their daily lives and create videos highlighting their unique skills. We even see videos with acts of horror and heroism. Most of these videos are looking to go viral, to be seen by the masses for approval and even outrage. Social media and our culture tell us this is what makes us special and set apart. But Jesus...He tells us to perform acts of righteousness and prayer in secret. The Pharisees made everything they did a larger-than-life production, so that they would be considered holy and righteous. But we know that Jesus instructs us to pray and give alms in private for the Father only to see. The truth is that the Lord sees so much more than just actions. He sees our heart. He determines our worth and provides the blessings that are eternal, unlike the temporary applause of people.
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