Matthew 6:1-15
1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not 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.
5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 Pray then like this:
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread,
12 and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Mt 6:1–15). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Our Father in heaven knows all the things we do even in secret. Jesus urges us to keep things secret even from ourselves. Jesus teaches us to pray to our Father in Heaven. But what is the most compelling part of this passage? Is it the command to do things hidden behind closed doors or is it to forgive others like God has Forgiven us.
It comes down to where we direct our strength. Jesus Christ has called his people to be righteous and perfect. Chapter Five gave us many statements to compel us to act properly. When we do act properly we think we should get some credit for that. Most of us like to get awards for doing good things. Most of us like to be praised by others for all the hard work we put in. Jesus tells us not to take credit. Do good but hide it from all others. God is the only one that anyone should try to impress and he sees everything.
Jesus Christ has died for the pride of everyone. He has paid the price for our sins. He has redeemed us from the penalty of death. Jesus Christ true God has forgiven you all your trespasses. He has made you perfect and righteous through his blood and sacrifice. Therefore, Jesus tells us to forgive one another. This may be difficult for anyone.
When you do not think you are able to forgive, pray the LORD's Prayer and pray for the strength to forgive others. God who hears your prayer in secret will forgive you of all your sins.
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