Universal Utterings®
for June 19, 2024

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06-19-2024 Matthew 6 V0104 Practicing Righteousness in Secret

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The Book of Matthew 6 v- One thru Four

1 “[But] take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. 2 When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, 4 so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

The Bible encourages believers to be righteous, which means to live in a way that aligns with God's will and moral principles. However, our practice today in Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus specifically addresses the attitude and motivation behind acts of righteousness. Here’s why Jesus advises keeping righteous deeds secret:

First and foremost is to avoid hypocrisy. Jesus warns against performing righteous acts to gain human approval or admiration. If the primary motivation is to be seen and praised by others, the act loses its genuine spiritual value. This kind of behavior is seen as hypocritical because it’s more about self-glorification than true piety.

Secondly is a God-Centered Motivation. By keeping righteous deeds secret, believers ensure that their actions are driven by a genuine desire to please God rather than to impress people. This sincerity is crucial in maintaining the integrity of one’s faith and devotion.

Finally your Heavenly Reward! Jesus emphasizes that God, who sees what is done in secret, will reward those who act out of true humility and devotion. The focus should be on the divine reward rather than earthly recognition. In essence, while the Bible calls for righteous living, Matthew 6:1-4 reminds us believers to check our motives in our heart and seek God’s approval rather than human praise. The teachings aim to cultivate a pure heart and sincere faith, where acts of kindness and charity are done out of love for God and others, not for self-aggrandizement. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:

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. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

Practice. Pray. Proclaim. ®
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20

06-18-2024 Matthew 6 v-0104

**Practicing Righteousness in Secret**

In secret give, let no one know,

The kindness of your heart,

Seek not the praise of men to show,

From God you will depart.

When you give with humble grace,

Your left hand unaware,

The Father sees in hidden space,

Rewards beyond compare.

So let your deeds in shadows lie,

Away from worldly eyes,

For treasures stored in heaven's sky,

Are where true blessings eternally rise. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

June 19, 2024 @ 04:53 AM EST

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