There are three virtues that guarantee reward from God: giving, prayer and fasting. (Matthew 6:4,6,18).
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” Matthew 6:3-4.
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” Matthew 6:6.
“But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” Matthew 6:18.
While these Bible verses clearly state that God is a Rewarder of all those who pray, fast and give, there are certain vices that prevent a believer from benefitting from these rewards. Regardless of how much you pray, if you have an ulterior or selfish motive, you will not be rewarded. James 4:3.
When you fast but you remain tightfisted, stingy, and ungenerous, you do not get your reward. Isaiah 58:3, 6-10.
If you are generous but have a spirit of unforgiveness, you will not get a reward. Matthew 5:23-24.
Ponder on these truths as you pray, fast and give.
