Have you ever noticed how easy it is to want recognition when you do something good? Whether it’s a kind gesture or a big act of charity, there’s often this subtle temptation to hope that someone sees it.
But Jesus challenges us to think differently when it comes to giving.
Imagine this: a Pharisee walking down the street, blowing a trumpet to make sure everyone notices as they hand out money to the poor. It sounds ridiculous, right? But in Jesus’ time, this was actually a common scene. People were flaunting their charity to win public approval.
In Matthew 6:2, Jesus calls them out: “So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.”
What Jesus is saying is clear—if you’re giving just to be seen, that’s all the reward you’re going to get. You might get a few pats on the back, maybe even some applause, but that’s where it ends.
The recognition of people fades quickly, but the approval of God? That lasts forever.
Why Do We Give?
When it comes to giving, everyone has different reasons. Some people give out of a sense of duty—they feel like it’s just the right thing to do. Others might give because it makes them feel good, or because they want to be seen as generous by others.
And let’s be honest, sometimes we all crave a little recognition. But Jesus tells us that the best reason to give is simple: It’s what God wants us to do.
It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of “looking good.” In Jesus’ time, the Pharisees were known for making a big show of their charity. They wanted everyone to see how “righteous” they were, but Jesus saw right through it.
He knew their hearts weren’t in the right place. They weren’t giving because they truly cared about the poor—they were giving because they wanted the applause.
Giving the Right Way: From the Heart
So, what does Jesus say about how we should give?
He offers some practical wisdom in Matthew 6:3-4: “But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
What does this mean? It’s not about being sneaky or secretive for the sake of it.
Jesus is telling us to focus on the heart behind our giving. We should give because it’s the right thing to do, not because we want praise or recognition from others.
When we give in a way that’s unnoticed by people but seen by God, we’re aligning ourselves with His will. And the beautiful thing? God promises to reward us for that.
This idea of giving in secret doesn’t necessarily mean no one will ever know about your acts of kindness. Sometimes people will see what you do, and that’s fine.
The key is to make sure you’re giving for the right reason—to honor God, not to seek human approval.
The Pharisees: An Example of What Not to Do
The Pharisees made a habit of turning charity into a performance. They wanted everyone to know just how generous they were. But their motives were all wrong.
Jesus wasn’t impressed, and He doesn’t want us to fall into the same trap. True righteousness isn’t about showing off—it’s about serving others from a place of love and obedience to God.
Jesus urges us to keep our motives in check. He doesn’t want us to use good deeds as a way to boost our image or feel good about ourselves.
Instead, He calls us to give with humility and sincerity, knowing that God sees everything we do, even the things done in secret.
The Reward That Truly Matters
It’s natural to want appreciation. We’re human, after all. But Jesus offers us something better than temporary recognition.
When we give with pure hearts—when our giving is driven by a desire to honor God—He promises to reward us in ways that are far more meaningful than a public thank you or a round of applause.
Jesus isn’t against rewards; He’s just teaching us to seek the right kind of reward. “Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you,”
He says in Matthew 6:4. God’s reward is eternal. It’s not fleeting like human praise. It’s lasting, and it reflects His approval.
Giving With Purpose
So, how do we live out this teaching in today’s world? It’s all about mindset. The next time you give—whether it’s money, time, or kindness—take a moment to ask yourself why you’re doing it.
Are you hoping someone notices, or are you simply doing it because it’s what God wants?
When we shift our focus to giving for God, rather than for the recognition of others, our actions take on a whole new meaning.
We’re no longer chasing human praise, which comes and goes. Instead, we’re living out our faith with integrity, knowing that God sees our hearts and rewards us accordingly.
In the end, it’s not about the trumpet blasts or the public praise. It’s about fulfilling our duty as believers—to give with humility and obedience to God’s will.
Let’s aim to be the kind of people who give quietly, but with hearts full of love, knowing that our Father in heaven sees us.
Devotion on Matthew 6:1 found here.
For Deeper Insights on the Sermon on the Mount: If you’re searching for an accessible, powerful commentary, I highly recommend The Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5-7 by James Montgomery Boice. This book breaks down Jesus’ teachings with clarity and depth, guiding readers to not only understand but also live out these transformative truths. Explore more about this exceptional commentary here.
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