Give To The Needy In Secrecy

“But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” — Matthew 6:3 - 4 NKJV

In the days when Jesus was on earth, many people used to give to the needy to obtain glory from others. They could donate charitably to needy people and go into the synagogue to tell the entire congregation about it. Today, such an act hasn’t changed, although it has taken a new form.

For instance, some people openly collaborate with media houses and social media influencers to populate their names when they give charitably to needy people. That’s not good. Although Jesus didn’t condemn such an act as sinful, He was concerned about the motive behind such acts.

God sees beyond what we do physically. The Bible says in Proverbs 16:2 (NIV) that God weighs the motives of our hearts. So what is secretive before people is plain before God.

Now Jesus, knowing this very well, showed us how to get public rewards from the Father when we give. He says we should give to the needy in secrecy and not allow even our left hand (close friends) to see our acts. That’s interesting. So from here, God openly rewards good deeds done in secrecy.

Do you make a public show of the help you give to others merely to make them applaud you? It’s time to repent. It’s time to be secretive about your good works. Fame isn’t an achievement in Christ. Publicity exists because of the gospel, not because of us. Our names will fade away, but Jesus’ name will forever remain because His Word will never pass away (Matthew 24:35). Serve the Lord acceptably, and discard merging wrong cultural norms with your way of life in Christ.

You’re a blessing.

Prayer

Oh God, I repent for making a public show of my good deeds to people just for media recognition. Today, I’ve learnt from Your Word that if I give to the needy in secrecy, You’ll reward me openly. Help me to stay conscious of the Truth that Your reward is better and lasting than human praise so that I’ll continue doing good to people as You foreordained me to live. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Devotional Code: KGD // 2022 – 308