How can Matthew 6:1 influence our approach to charitable giving today? Setting the Scene “Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them; otherwise you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1) Seeing the Heart Behind the Gift • God’s chief concern is motive. “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) • Righteous acts done for applause become self-promotion, not worship. • Scripture takes this literally: giving with wrong motives is unrewarded, no matter how large the amount. Guarding Against Public Applause • Public recognition can quietly replace God as the giver’s audience. • Jesus warns of trading eternal reward for temporary praise—“You have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1). • 2 Corinthians 9:7 underlines the antidote: “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Practicing Secrecy as Worship • “When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Matthew 6:3). • Secrecy turns giving into a private act of devotion: – Write checks anonymously when possible. – Serve quietly behind the scenes. – Use digital transfers that leave no public trail. • The Father “who sees what is done in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:4). Living Generously in Today’s World • Give without posting it on social media. • Decline nameplates, plaques, or public thank-you scrolls. • Support ministries that spotlight Christ rather than donors. • Teach children to save allowance for hidden acts of kindness. • Schedule regular, unpublicized giving—turning generosity into habit rather than headline. Rewards that Matter • Earthly applause fades; heavenly reward endures (Matthew 6:19-20). • “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) • Faithful, unseen giving positions believers to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21) |
    |