Nov. 08, 2026

Jesus warns us in Matthew 6 that the motive behind our religious activity matters just as much as the activity itself. When we give, pray, or fast in order to be noticed by others, we trade a lasting spiritual reward for a temporary one. The word He uses for those who do this is hypocrite, a term borrowed from ancient theater, where actors wore masks to play characters other than themselves. True giving flows from obedience and love, not a desire for recognition. Sincere private prayer deepens our relationship with God in ways that public performance never can. Fasting, done quietly, creates space to focus on God rather than impress others. The reward God offers is not material comfort but a growing, strengthening relationship with Him. That reward is worth far more than the approval of any person.