How does Matthew 6:4 challenge our motives in charitable actions today? Scripture Focus “so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4) Context in the Sermon on the Mount - Jesus is contrasting authentic righteousness with hypocritical displays (Matthew 6:1–18). - Almsgiving, prayer, and fasting are singled out because they can easily become platforms for self-promotion. Central Principle: God Sees the Heart - Unlike people, the Father “sees what is done in secret.” - External applause is temporary; divine reward is eternal (1 Samuel 16:7; Colossians 3:23–24). Misplaced Motives Exposed - Pursuit of public praise and reputation. - Desire to manipulate others’ opinions. - Subtle pride masked as generosity. - Treating giving as a transaction for social capital. Right Motives Encouraged - Gratitude for God’s grace fuels generosity (2 Corinthians 9:8). - Love for neighbor expressed quietly (1 John 3:17–18). - Conscious aim to delight the Father, not observers (Galatians 1:10). - Confidence that God rewards even unseen obedience (Hebrews 11:6). Practical Tests for Today - Would I still give if no one ever knew? - Do I mention my generosity in conversation or on social media? - Does disappointment rise when a gift goes unnoticed? - Is my giving proportionate to income, or only when publicity is possible? Ways to Cultivate Secrecy and Humility - Give through channels that protect anonymity. - Involve as few people as necessary in logistics. - Replace public acknowledgment with private thanksgiving to God. - Regularly meditate on Christ’s hidden sacrifices (Philippians 2:5–8). God’s Reward Explained - Present peace of knowing the Father’s approval. - Future honor when “each will receive his praise from God” (1 Corinthians 4:5). - Spiritual growth: generosity shapes a heart like Christ’s (Acts 20:35). Supporting Passages - Proverbs 21:2 — “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart.” - 2 Corinthians 9:7 — “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” - Luke 14:13–14 — “But when you host a banquet, invite the poor… and you will be blessed… you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Takeaway Thought Charitable action becomes true worship when it is aimed at the Father’s eyes alone; secrecy guards the purity of our motives and positions us to receive the reward He promises. |
    |