GENEROSITY IN SECRET
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 6:3-4 (NIV)
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.
Luke 6:35a (NIV)
In a world where recognition is often the measure of success, Jesus offers a radically different approach to generosity. In today’s passages, He challenges us to give without seeking approval from others, for applause or even acknowledgment. True giving, He says, is quiet. It's personal. It's not to be seen and admired by crowds, but by God alone.
Giving in secret seems to mean, among other things, that humility matters. It’s not about the amount I give, but the attitude and motivation of my heart. Giving in secret reminds me that it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks of me. Giving in secret allows me to slow down and be present with God. Giving in secret also creates space for God to cultivate a love for my enemies that I otherwise might not have. Giving in secret also means letting go of the need to have the good deed reciprocated.
I remember the first time I met Ed. He was an older man. He started as a mentor and became a dear friend over time. He taught me how to pray and read the Bible. He had a special chair where, every morning, he sat quietly alone with God. Something I noticed and appreciated about him was that he was a giving man and never expected anything in return. He noticed several times when I loaned something to someone how irritated I became when the item wasn’t returned or when the person didn’t seem thankful. He taught me to freely give without seeking anything in return.
Today, be encouraged to live before an audience of one. The One who made you and sees you also delights in you. His approval and reward are enough.
APPLICATION: Give to the church, a person or a cause without letting anyone know. Slip a gift card in someone’s mailbox, or send an anonymous donation. Seek to privately meet a need, pray over it, and walk away quietly.
PRAYER: Dear God, You’ve given me so much. May I share what You’ve given me with a sincere heart out of love and care for others. Show me when I’m looking for applause or something in return, and lead my heart back to You. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?