Matthew 6:1-4 (NKJV)
1 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.”
Understanding the Passage:
Jesus is teaching that acts of kindness and charity should not be performed for the sake of recognition or praise from others. The focus should be on pleasing God rather than seeking the approval of people. The phrase “let not your right hand know what your left hand is doing” emphasizes the idea that our charitable actions should be done with such discretion and humility that even we, the ones performing the act, don’t keep track of it or boast about it.
In the context of the time, religious leaders and others would often make a show of their good deeds, using them to gain admiration from the public. Jesus contrasts this with a life of humble obedience, where giving and helping others is done in secret, known only to God. The reward for such actions comes from God alone, and not from human praise.
Theological Insights:
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The Motive of the Heart: This passage underscores the importance of the inner motive behind the action. It is not enough to simply do good deeds; our hearts must be right. Jesus wants us to act out of genuine love and compassion, not out of a desire for human recognition. In 1 Corinthians 13:3, Paul writes, “If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” Our actions should flow from a heart that truly seeks to honor God, not to elevate ourselves.
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The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:10-14): Jesus often contrasted the attitudes of those who sought recognition for their piety with those who humbly acknowledged their need for God. In Luke 18:10-14, Jesus tells the story of a Pharisee and a tax collector who both went to pray. The Pharisee boasted about his righteousness, while the tax collector humbled himself, acknowledging his sin. Jesus concluded, “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God.”
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The Danger of Self-Righteousness: In modern times, many people still fall into the trap of publicizing their good deeds. While giving is a good thing, doing it with a sense of pride or to be seen by others diminishes the reward. Matthew 6:2 warns that those who give for the applause of men have already received their reward. Galatians 6:7 reminds us that “a man reaps what he sows,” emphasizing that true rewards come from God, not from human recognition.
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God Rewards the Secret Acts: Jesus promises that when we give in secret, God who sees what is done in secret will reward us openly. This isn’t just about financial reward; it can be a deeper sense of peace, fulfillment, and eternal blessings. Hebrews 11:6 affirms, “And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Practical Application:
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Giving with Humility: Whether it’s money, time, or resources, our giving should be done with humility, without seeking to boast or draw attention. We are reminded in Matthew 6:3-4 to keep our charity private.
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Seek God’s Approval: As believers, we should focus on doing things for the glory of God, not for praise from others. This is consistent with Colossians 3:23-24, where Paul writes, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.”
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Forget Your Deeds After Doing Them: This teaching is not just about doing good deeds but about not clinging to them or using them as a measure of our righteousness. We are encouraged to forget our own deeds once they are done, as Luke 17:10 says, “So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”
Conclusion:
The message of Matthew 6:1-4 is clear: our good deeds should be performed quietly and humbly, without expecting accolades from others. By doing so, we align ourselves with God’s will, and He will reward us in ways far greater than any recognition from people could offer. True reward comes not from the applause of the crowd but from the approval of God, and it is that approval which holds eternal significant.