only the father's love
"Your Father Who sees what is hidden will repay you." —Matthew 6:18
When we give alms, pray, or fast, we can be repaid by the applause (Mt 6:2) or attention (Mt 6:5) we receive. If we decide to accept human recognition as payment, then we "are already repaid" (Mt 6:2). However, if we keep our almsgiving, praying, and fasting secret, then no one but God the Father knows about it, and our "Father Who sees in secret will repay" us (Mt 6:4).
Do you want to be paid by God the Father or by human beings? Do you want to be paid with "perishable food" or with "food that remains unto life eternal"? (Jn 6:27) In this coming months, get to know how real your heavenly Father is and how He wants to provide for you as only He can. All the applause and recognition in the world leaves us insecure. Only the affirmation we receive from God the Father will give us security and peace.
God the Father is saying to you even more loudly and clearly: "You are My beloved son," or "You are My beloved daughter" (see Mt 3:17). Let God the Father father you.
Prayer: Abba... (see Gal 4:6; Rm 8:15).
Promise: "He Who supplies seed for the sower and bread for the eater will provide in abundance; He will multiply the seed you sow and increase your generous yield." —2 Cor 9:10
Praise: When the Huangs began tithing, their smaller budget seemed to last longer.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 1, 2011
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