Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 New American Bible

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 Bible Gateway New International Version

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 Bible Gateway Contemporary English Version

Don’t Blow a Trumpet Before You

Many people want recognition and attention when they do something good for the poor. They blow a trumpet and say, “Attention. Attention. I am giving money, clothing, and canned goods to the poor. I am giving more than you.”

God wants you to do good things because you love him. He doesn’t want you to blow a trumpet to call everyone’s attention to the good things you do. He will give you a heavenly reward for the good things you do to help others.

You should give because you truly want to help, not because your name will be announced on the television or radio. You should give because you are feeling compassion for God’s people, not because the newspaper is going to list the names of everyone who donates money.

Some days it is hard to keep giving, and giving to other people when you don’t have anyone giving you any attention. Sometimes you may want a little attention for yourself. You may want someone to give you a day off from work. You may want someone to bring you something to eat, instead of your taking food to someonelse. When you are feeling low like this, sit down and have a long quiet talk with God. He will fill you with love and understanding. If you are having a pity party for yourself, invite God to come and sit with you. He will provide the food and drink you need to feel better. He will help you realize how much he loves you and appreciates all you do for other people.

When you don’t feel like giving any more, you are having a power outage. If you are low on energy, your power supply has been cut off by your human experience. Make sure you are plugged into God for your power, he will fill you with energy. He will fill you with love and peace. He will fill you with forgiveness. He will send his Holy Spirit to help you see everything through happier eyes.

Say the “Our Father” and ask God to help you realize how much he loves you. When you realize this, you will have more than enough energy to share with those who have less than you.

“Our Father, who art in Heaven,

Hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day, our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.