Friday, July 25, 2025
How to Give – Matthew 6:1-4 Submitted by Kay Crumley
In the Old Testament the Jew’s worshiped by giving a sacrifice in the Temple. They also were taught to be generous and give to those in need. Begging was an accepted profession for those who were handicapped, unable to work, so people gave to them because generosity was a righteous practice and as thanksgiving to God for protecting them from that malady. Pastor Jim preached a two-sermon series entitled Giveology with the Key Truth: “Giving is a part of growing because stewardship is a part of discipleship.” As disciples of Jesus, we are to grow in our faith by carefully taking care of the things God provides for us by giving back. As I read this passage this morning, I am reminded that it’s more than giving but we are to give in the right way and for the right reasons.
Jesus is preaching to the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6 and comes to chapter 6 with instruction and warning. We are to practice activities that point others to the Kingdom of God however, the way we practice those activities is important. This passage is about giving. Giving to the poor is a righteous act. Yet some were more interested in gaining approval, honor, or admiration from others than helping the needy.
It was a custom in Jesus’ time for the rich to draw attention to themselves when making charitable gifts so others would see how generous they were and believe them to be righteous. I really cannot imagine what it might have been like to have a trumpet sound just before you dropped those coins into the basket, yet that was common.
Jesus tells His listeners that their reward will only be from man because there will be no reward from our Father in heaven for those looking for recognition.
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward with your Father in heaven. 2 So whenever you give to the poor, don’t sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be applauded by people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. 3 But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
God knows our heart. He sees our reason and where we seek honor. Those who loudly proclaim their generosity are rewarded with kind words, praise, and maybe envy but they are not rewarded by God. That reminds me of the parable of the Widow’s mite in Mark 12:41-44. He was more pleased with the widow because of the manner and portion; she quietly gave all she had while the rich loudly announced their gift from their abundance. Those who seek man’s applause will get that but nothing else, God is not please with self-aggrandizement. As His disciples we are to point to Him who is worthy of praise and honor.
He follows by telling them to give in secret so that your left hand doesn’t know what your right hand is doing. The point is the motive in which we give. Are we worshipping and honoring God by generously giving back a portion of what He has given us, or does we want those around us to be impressed and give honor to us? God knows our heart; we cannot hide our motives from Him. Are we giving joyfully, 2 Corinthians 9:7, as we give out of our love for Him? If so, He will reward us for our righteous deeds.
Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. As we grow in Christian maturity and learn to steward the provision God gives us, we are to give as He directs us with the focus being on honoring Him and not self. He knows our heart, our purpose, our attitude. Where will your reward come from, God or man?
