In Jesus’ day, giving to the poor was a big part of religious life. Some people made sure everyone noticed when they gave. Jesus did not say stop giving. He assumed His followers would give, saying when you give, not if. But He warned about a hidden danger: doing the right thing for the wrong reason. Today it is easy to post our good deeds online or to want our name on the list. These four verses ask a simple question that touches every gift. Who are you really giving for?
Who Are You Performing For?
Jesus begins with a warning: take heed that you do not do your good deeds before people to be seen by them (Matthew 6:1). If applause is what we want, applause is all we will get. There will be no reward from our Father in heaven. This is not a ban on anyone ever seeing what we do. Earlier Jesus told us to let our light shine. The issue is the motive. When Samuel looked for a king, God reminded him that people look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Paul asked whether he was trying to please people or God, and said that if he still pleased people he would not be Christ’s servant (Galatians 1:10). Before we give, serve or help, it is worth asking who we hope will notice.
Before you serve or give this week, what short prayer will you pray to check your motive?
No Trumpets Needed
Jesus paints a vivid picture of hypocrites sounding a trumpet in the synagogues and in the streets when they give (Matthew 6:2-3). They wanted glory from people, and Jesus says they already have their reward. Instead, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. In other words, give so quietly that you hardly make a fuss about it yourself. Jesus once watched people putting money into the temple treasury. The rich gave large amounts, but He praised a poor widow who quietly gave two small coins, all she had (Mark 12:41-44). By contrast, Ananias and Sapphira wanted the praise of generous giving while secretly keeping back part of the money, and they lied to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:1-4). God cares more about an honest heart than an impressive amount.
What is one gift of money, time or help you can give this week without telling anyone about it?
Your Father Sees in Secret
The passage ends with a beautiful promise: your Father who sees in secret will reward you (Matthew 6:4). Secret giving is never wasted giving. God notices the groceries left at a neighbor’s door, the school supplies bought for a child, and the envelope slipped to a struggling family. Hebrews says God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love shown toward His name (Hebrews 6:10). The reward is not a formula for getting rich. It is the Father’s approval, a deeper joy and treasure that lasts. Paul says each person should give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). When we give in secret, we discover that His smile is enough.
Which person or family could you quietly bless this week, and what exactly will you do for them?
Conclusion
Jesus teaches us to check our motives, to give without fanfare, and to trust the Father who sees what no one else sees. Our giving then becomes worship rather than performance. Above all, this passage points us to the greatest Giver. God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, not to impress anyone, but to save us. When we remember how freely we have received, we can give freely, gladly and quietly.
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