Why does God reward secret acts of righteousness, according to Matthew 6:4? Setting the Scene • Jesus is warning against practicing righteousness “to be seen by others” (Matthew 6:1). • He singles out giving, praying, and fasting—acts readily turned into self-promotion. • The core principle is summed up in Matthew 6:4: “so that your giving may be in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” Why God Values Secrecy in Good Works • Purity of motive – Secret giving strips away the temptation to impress. – God wants the act to spring from love, not from a thirst for applause (1 Samuel 16:7). • Protection from pride – Public acclaim feeds the flesh; secrecy starves it (Proverbs 16:18). – When no one is watching, the heart’s true loyalty is revealed. • Directing glory to God – Hidden generosity ensures He alone receives credit (Matthew 5:16). – The giver fades into the background; the Giver of every good gift stands out (James 1:17). • Cultivating trust in the Father – Secrecy forces dependence on His notice rather than human notice (Hebrews 11:6). – It deepens personal intimacy with “your Father who sees.” The Nature of the Reward • Divine recognition now – A quiet, inward assurance of God’s pleasure (Psalm 4:7). – Growth in Christlike character—humility, compassion, faith (Galatians 5:22-23). • Future reward – “Great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:12). – Eternal treasure that can’t be stolen or decay (Matthew 6:19-20). – Public commendation at the judgment seat of Christ (1 Corinthians 4:5). Living This Out Today • Give anonymously whenever possible—online gifts, unmarked envelopes, unmet needs quietly supplied. • Resist posting charitable deeds on social media. • Celebrate others’ generosity without revealing your own. • Shift praise upward whenever thanked: “The Lord provided; I’m just passing it along.” Key Takeaways • God rewards secret acts of righteousness because they prove genuine faith, fight pride, honor Him alone, and train us to seek heavenly, not human, applause. • The Father’s unseen presence and future commendation far outweigh any fleeting recognition on earth. |
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