Give Secretly
Jesus assumes His followers will be generous. The question is not whether we give, but why and how we give. In Matthew 6:1-4, He warns against the hypocrisy of giving for human applause.
In Jesus’ day, the Pharisees had turned charity into a performance. They announced their giving with great fanfare so others would admire their spirituality. Jesus uses striking imagery: “Do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do.” Whether literal or metaphorical, the point is clear: don’t draw attention to your generosity.
Instead, Jesus calls for radical secrecy: “Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (v.3). This is vivid hyperbole meaning to give with such sincerity that you’re not even congratulating yourself. Give quietly. Give humbly. Give for the glory of God alone.
Those who give to be seen already have their reward, and it is fleeting human praise. But those who give secretly will be rewarded by “your Father who sees in secret.” Where the applause of people is temporary and shallow, the approval of the Father is eternal and deeply satisfying.
This principle challenges us deeply. It’s easy to give when others are watching, especially in church or public settings. But true generosity flows from a heart that seeks only God’s approval. Even our private pride in our own generosity can become a subtle form of self-glorification.
Examine your giving today. Are you motivated by recognition, status, or guilt? Or by love for God and others?
Choose secret generosity. Give quietly to those in need. Trust that your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly in His perfect way.
Lord, purify my giving. Help me give secretly and joyfully, seeking only Your approval. Free me from the desire for human praise. Amen.