How should we practise charitable works, prayers and fasting?

In Matthew 6:1-18, we dive deep into Jesus' teachings on how to practice charity, prayer, and fasting. The essence of His message? Authenticity over display! Jesus encourages believers to carry out their charitable acts, pray, and fast in secrecy, avoiding the loud proclamations and ostentatious behavior that often accompanied such practices in His time.

Imagine if someone made sure the whole town knew they donated to a charity or fasted every Thursday. What was once a genuine act of love becomes a mere ticket to public admiration. Jesus’ antidote to this show-off behavior was straightforward: do good deeds and commune with the divine privately. Think of "secret charitable acts" as the original "pay it forward" vibe, where kindness doesn’t seek a spotlight.

Interestingly, this event echoes themes from the Old Testament. Take Isaiah 58:5-7, where God shares His ideal way of fasting—not to wear sackcloth for appearances but to engage in acts of mercy and social justice. This melding of faith and charity resonates throughout scripture.

Fast forward to our modern context, where kindness now carries hashtags and social media posts! While sharing our good deeds with the world can inspire others, consider the joy and deeper connection nurtured by discreet acts of goodwill. In keeping it between you and the divine, the focus remains on sincere motive rather than the applause of acquaintances. So, for next time you token out a neighbor or give up dessert, keep it quiet; it’ll be a lot more meaningful!