Jesus’ teaching to give in secret, found in Matthew 6:1-4, challenges the common desire for public recognition and praise. In the Sermon on the Mount, He contrasts public giving, which often seeks to boost one’s reputation, with secret giving, which is motivated by pure compassion and humility. When you give in secret, your motives remain focused on helping others rather than seeking acknowledgment, reflecting God’s generous and unseen nature. Jesus promises that such acts of kindness will be rewarded by God, whose rewards are far more lasting than human praise.
By embracing secret giving, you cultivate humility, build character, and align more closely with God’s will. It’s a way to focus on pleasing God rather than seeking the approval of others, allowing your generosity to be a true expression of love and compassion. Keep reading to discover how this practice can transform your approach to giving and deepen your spiritual life.
When it comes to giving, Jesus had a unique perspective that might surprise many. In the Sermon on the Mount, He said something profoundly simple yet deeply challenging: give in secret. This instruction, found in Matthew 6:3-4, goes against the grain of our often publicity-driven culture. But why did Jesus emphasize this kind of giving? Let’s dive into His teachings to understand the profound wisdom behind this instruction.
Understanding the Context
Before we unpack Jesus’ command, it’s crucial to understand the broader context. The Sermon on the Mount, recorded in Matthew 5-7, is a cornerstone of Jesus’ teachings. Here, Jesus lays out the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven, focusing on attitudes and actions that reflect God’s nature.
In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus warns against practicing righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. He contrasts two kinds of giving: one that seeks human praise and another that pleases God.
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 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. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:1-4, NIV)
The Contrast: Public vs. Secret Giving
Public Giving
In Jesus’ time, some religious leaders and wealthy individuals would give publicly to gain social approval and recognition. These acts, though beneficial to the recipients, were often more about boosting the giver’s reputation than genuinely helping others. Jesus called out these acts as hypocritical, noting that their reward was the fleeting praise of people.
Secret Giving
On the flip side, Jesus encourages giving that’s done in secret. This kind of giving isn’t about the giver’s ego or social standing but about genuine compassion and humility. When you give in secret, it’s a pure act of kindness with no strings attached, reflecting God’s generous heart. Jesus assures us that God, who sees everything, will reward such sincere acts.
Why Give in Secret?
It Keeps Your Motives Pure
Giving in secret strips away any desire for human accolades. When no one knows about your generosity, your motives are laid bare. Are you giving to genuinely help others, or are you seeking approval and recognition? Secret giving helps purify your intentions, making your act of charity a true expression of love and compassion.
It Reflects God’s Nature
God’s generosity is often unseen and unrecognized. He provides for us in countless ways, many of which we never notice. By giving in secret, you mirror God’s own nature. You become a vessel of His unseen blessings, contributing to His work in a humble, unassuming way.
It Builds Character
Giving in secret cultivates humility and selflessness. When you give without the prospect of recognition, you learn to value the act of giving itself rather than any potential reward. This builds character and deepens your empathy and compassion for others.
It Ensures God’s Reward
Jesus promises that God rewards those who give in secret. While public praise is temporary, God’s rewards are eternal. This isn’t necessarily about material wealth or success but could be a deeper sense of fulfillment, peace, and joy that comes from aligning with God’s will.
“Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4, NIV)
How to Give in Secret
Practical Steps
- Anonymous Donations: Use channels that allow you to give without revealing your identity. Many charities provide options for anonymous donations.
- Direct Help: If you see someone in need, help them directly without making a show of it. Whether it’s buying a meal for a homeless person or covering someone’s expenses, keep it discreet.
- Regular Practice: Make secret giving a habit. Integrate it into your life in such a way that it becomes a natural, regular practice rather than a special event.
Guarding Against Pride
Even secret giving can lead to pride if you’re not careful. It’s essential to regularly check your heart. Are you giving with genuine love and compassion, or is there a hidden desire for self-satisfaction? Pray for humility and ask God to help you give from a place of pure intentions.
The Broader Principle: Living for God, Not for Approval
Jesus’ instruction to give in secret is part of a broader principle: live for God’s approval, not for human praise. This applies not only to giving but to all aspects of your spiritual life—praying, fasting, serving, and more.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” (Colossians 3:23, NIV)
When you focus on pleasing God rather than seeking human validation, your actions become more authentic, and your relationship with Him deepens. You’re liberated from the pressure of constantly seeking approval and can live out your faith with genuine joy and freedom.
Conclusion
Giving in secret might seem countercultural, especially in an age where public recognition is often seen as a measure of success. However, Jesus’ teaching reminds us that true generosity is about the heart. By giving in secret, you align with God’s own way of giving, purify your motives, build character, and ensure a reward that far surpasses any human praise. So next time you have an opportunity to give, do it quietly, humbly, and let God’s unseen hand reward your unseen acts of kindness.
FAQs: Why Did Jesus Say to Give in Secret?
1. What did Jesus mean by “give in secret”?
Jesus encouraged giving without seeking public recognition or praise. This means performing acts of charity and generosity quietly and discreetly, focusing on helping others rather than gaining approval or attention.
2. Where in the Bible does Jesus talk about giving in secret?
Jesus discusses giving in secret in the Sermon on the Mount, specifically in Matthew 6:3-4. He contrasts secret giving with the hypocritical practice of making donations publicly to gain social approval.
3. Why is it important to give in secret?
Giving in secret ensures that your motives are pure, reflects God’s generous nature, builds humility and character, and aligns with the desire to please God rather than seeking human praise. It helps you focus on the act of giving itself rather than the rewards or recognition it might bring.
4. What are the benefits of giving in secret according to Jesus?
Jesus promises that those who give in secret will be rewarded by God. While public praise is fleeting, God’s rewards are eternal and deeply fulfilling. These rewards could include a sense of peace, joy, and spiritual growth.
5. How can I practice giving in secret in my daily life?
You can practice secret giving by making anonymous donations, helping people directly without drawing attention to yourself, and regularly incorporating discreet acts of kindness into your routine. It’s also important to check your heart and ensure your motives are pure.
6. Can secret giving still lead to pride?
Yes, even secret giving can lead to pride if done with a desire for self-satisfaction or hidden recognition. It’s important to regularly reflect on your intentions and pray for humility to ensure your acts of charity come from a place of genuine love and compassion.
7. How does giving in secret reflect God’s nature?
God often provides for us in unseen and unnoticed ways. By giving in secret, you mirror His selfless and humble generosity, becoming a vessel of His blessings without seeking attention or reward.
8. What is the broader principle behind Jesus’ teaching on giving in secret?
The broader principle is to live for God’s approval rather than human praise. This principle applies not only to giving but to all aspects of spiritual life, encouraging authenticity and deepening your relationship with God by focusing on His approval.
9. What other aspects of life does Jesus apply the principle of secret acts to?
In addition to giving, Jesus applies the principle of secret acts to prayer and fasting. He teaches that these should also be done quietly and privately, focusing on connecting with God rather than seeking human recognition.
10. How can I ensure my giving aligns with Jesus’ teachings?
To align your giving with Jesus’ teachings, prioritize the needs of others over your own desire for recognition. Reflect on your motives, practice humility, and seek ways to give that remain unnoticed by others, trusting that God sees and values your sincere generosity.
