Should All Giving Be Done in Secret?Намуна

Day 2: When Testimony Trumps Privacy

A few years ago, God gently rebuked me during prayer. I had been silent about financial miracles He had worked in our lives—particularly how our obedience in giving had led to some really significant miracles in our financial life.

Like most Christians, my wife and I preferred to keep our giving "private."

But in that moment, I realized something sobering: by keeping silent about the direct connection between our giving and His provision, we were missing opportunities to inspire others in their giving journey.

Scripture actually contains numerous examples of public giving portrayed positively:

• The Widow's Offering (Mark 12:41-44) - Jesus observed and publicly commended her
• The early Christians openly shared possessions (Acts 4:32-37)
• Zacchaeus publicly declared his giving plans (Luke 19:1-10)
• David gave openly from his personal treasures (1 Chronicles 29:1-9)

Each case demonstrates how public giving with right motives can inspire a community toward greater faithfulness.

Consider this parallel: In Matthew 6:5-6, Jesus also instructs us to pray in secret for the same reason—to avoid showmanship.

Yet we don't criticize pastors who share insights from their prayer life.

Why? Because their goal isn't self-promotion but edification of others.

Why should giving be treated differently?

Psalm 40:10 captures this tension perfectly: "I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly."

There are times when concealing God's work in our finances doesn't protect humility—it prevents testimony.

Today, ask yourself: Is there a giving story God has written in your life that others need to hear? Not to glorify yourself, but to showcase God's faithfulness and inspire others to trust Him with their resources?

Let's pray:

Lord, give me wisdom to know when to keep giving private and when to share for Your glory. Help me discern the difference between boasting and testifying. Show me if there's a story of Your provision that others need to hear. May any sharing I do point clearly to Your faithfulness, not my own goodness.

In Jesus' name, Amen.