Practicing Secret Righteousness

Matthew 6:1–4: Practicing Secret Righteousness

“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)

Reflection:

In this passage from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges our motives (I hope you've begun to see that theme throughout His sermon). He is not just concerned with what we do but why we do it. In this section Jesus focuses on our giving. In context of the remainder of this chapter Jesus seems to lead us to understand that the act of giving is a spiritual act and one that generates a spiritual reward. Giving and generosity is good, but doing it to gain attention or admiration from others empties the act of its spiritual value. Of course Jesus isn’t discouraging generosity—He’s calling us to authentic generosity, the kind that flows from love, not from a desire to be seen.

The phrase "do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing" is a vivid image of pure-hearted giving. It paints a picture of such humble discretion that even our closest thoughts don’t dwell on our own good deeds. When we give this way, we mirror the character of God—who gives lavishly, graciously, and often without recognition.

Our culture tends to value visibility and recognition. Social media, awards, and applause often shape our motivations more than we’d like to admit. These things at their core are not wrong, but Jesus calls us into a different rhythm: one where the Father’s quiet approval matters more than the crowd’s loud praise.

Prayer:

Father, search my heart and purify my motives. Teach me to give without seeking attention, to love without expecting reward. Help me to find joy in Your unseen approval rather than in the fleeting praise of people. May all my acts of righteousness be an offering to You alone. Amen.