“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:2-4)
When someone gives generously, but makes a big display out of it, you question their motives. Did they really want to help someone? Or did they just want the recognition and appearance that they’re a good person?
The same could be said of many things. Giving, serving, teaching. God isn’t so concerned about externals, He’s concerned about the condition of our hearts. If we do anything for the public recognition, Jesus teaches we’ve already earned our reward.
I’m not saying that others can never know, like always donating anonymously or serving at your church in disguise! It’s a posture of the heart. Why are you doing what you’re doing? A characteristic of a generous heart is a heart that beats in secret.
Paul writes in Galatians 1:10, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” We shouldn’t care about the opinions of others when it comes to our generosity. The only thing we should be concerned about is God’s opinion and the advancement of His Kingdom.
This holiday season, know that your generosity is seen by the Lord. Even if no one ever knows about a generous donation or an act of kindness that you do, the Lord sees it. Jesus taught us, “when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:2-4).
In doing this, we know that we’re laying up treasures for ourselves in heaven, as Jesus taught later on in that same passage (Matthew 6:20). While we may not see the physical result of our generosity in this life, we’ll see it when Jesus calls us home.
So as the Lord stirs in your heart at the end of this year, follow His leading and know that He sees your generous heart as it pumps in secret.