April 10
2019
God, Be Merciful to Me a Sinner
Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. ‘I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’
“And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 18:10-14
Humility is a wonderful thing.
One who gives and brags about it has lost the true meaning of the giving.
The bragging speaks to the real intention; to be recognized, rather than to be a blessing.
We must be careful to give from a pure heart, not grudgingly or for our own purposes, but out of love and compassion for the one we are giving to.
Question for Discussion
What is the real intention behind your giving? Be honest with yourself.