Actions vs Motives

Verses for study: Matthew 6:1-8

We have all seen individuals who seem to trumpet every charitable act they do while still others are just as charitable and yet no one ever hears about it. Are both methods just as honorable or is one better than the other?

Jesus in Matthew 6:3 says "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. And in verse 5 He says "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward." In both of these instances the importance is put not on the actions but the condition of the individuals heart. The only reward a braggert will receive is the attention they get while bragging. God is not only interested in what we do but why we do it.

Prayer: Dear Lord, Help us to realize that our motives are as important as our actions, and before we judge others by their actions help us to realize only you can see their hearts.