Should All Giving Be Done in Secret?Sample

Day 1: What Jesus Actually Said

I was having lunch with a friend when he leaned forward and whispered, "You know, you shouldn't talk about your giving. Jesus said it should be done in secret."

For years, I believed the same thing. But what if we've misunderstood what Jesus was really addressing?

When we look at the context of Jesus' words, something significant emerges. Jesus wasn't establishing a universal rule about keeping all giving private. He was addressing the heart behind the giving.

Notice, He specifically mentions those who "announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do... to be honored by others." The Pharisees literally had trumpets blown to announce their generosity. Their motive wasn't God's glory—it was human applause.

This distinction changes everything because Jesus wasn't concerned about the visibility of the giving itself, but rather the motivation behind it. Was it for God's glory or human recognition?

The question isn't simply "Is my giving private or public?" but rather "Who am I trying to please with my giving?"

When our giving is done to impress others, we've "received our reward in full." But when our giving—whether seen by others or not—is done to please God, He promises to reward us.

Today, examine your heart about giving. Are there ways you've been seeking human approval rather than God's? Or conversely, are there ways God might be calling you to let your light shine in this area of your life?

Let's pray:

Father, search my heart and reveal any mixed motives in my giving. Help me to give with pure intentions, seeking only Your approval. Show me how to honor You with my resources in ways that bring glory to Your name alone.

In Jesus' name, Amen.