But when you do your giving, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your gift may be in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 6:3-4 NET
It seems to be in our human nature to want a little pat on the back when we do something good, a reward of some kind. And that is what Jesus is addressing in this short passage on giving.
Jesus’ instruction here is to let my giving be in secret, not letting my left hand know what my right hand is doing. This is not just a matter of my hands keeping secrets from each other. Jesus is telling us not to publicize our charitable giving. No one else needs to know what you give. It should be between you and God. And maybe the one you gave to.
The big issue Jesus addresses here, and in the following sections on prayer and fasting, is motive. Why do I give? There are a variety of good reasons why you might give. But getting an attaboy from other people should not be one of them.
Giving in Secret
Jesus tells us that if we give to be seen by other people, then their response to us is our reward for giving. But, if we give in secret, at least as much as possible, with no thought of what others may think, then our heavenly Father will reward us.
But this is not just about giving money to charitable causes. When you mow an elderly neighbor’s lawn, invest time in a homeless shelter, or stop and help someone change a flat tire, you are giving. Be content to keep your charitable actions between you and God as well. His reward will be much greater than the acclaim of other people.
It is not always possible to keep what you do a secret. And, sometimes, it may be appropriate to share as a role model, encouraging others in their giving. But always be careful of your motives. Don’t let your need for human acclaim cost you the reward the Father has for you.
