The heart of giving, praying and fasting
Passage: Matthew 6:1-18
QUICK RECAP
This week, we've arrived at Matthew chapter 6 where Jesus turns his attention to 3 common “religious” acts - giving, praying, and fasting. But he doesn’t give us a how-to guide. He takes us to the heart of the matter…
Jesus says, "Don't do these things for show." Don't give to impress others. Don't pray to sound holy. Don't fast to look super spiritual.
If you do, that’s evidence of insecurity. If you need the approval of an audience, that shows that you’re missing some really good news: that no matter who you are or what you’ve done, God sees you. God loves you. God will provide for you. You’ve nothing to prove, because the God of Heaven and Earth loves you. That’s it!
That’s why you can come to him in confidence - no matter what - knowing that he will forgive you when you mess up. That he will help you when you need it, guide you when you’re lost and protect you when things get tough.
Imagine how different life would be if we all knew in our hearts that God deeply loves us. How would it change our giving? Our praying? Our fasting?
Many of us really struggle to accept in our hearts that God really loves us. Knowing it in our head is one thing. Believing it in our heart is another. If that’s you, then here’s a powerful prayer to pray: “Lord, please help me know deep down that you love me”. Ask God to reveal to you how deeply you're treasured.
It might just change everything…
Questions for further study and reflection
Read Matthew 6:1-18 together. What stands out to you in this passage?
Jesus talks about three practices: giving, praying, and fasting. How does He suggest we approach each of these?
What do you think Jesus means when He says, "Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you"?
How might our giving, praying, and fasting change if we truly believed we were already fully loved and accepted by God?
The sermon mentions the challenge of feeling God's love deeply. Have you ever struggled with this? If comfortable, share your experience.
What's one practical step you can take this week to align your heart more with the truth of God's love for you?
Close by praying the Ephesians 1:18 prayer for each other, asking God to reveal His love more deeply to you.
