MATTHEW 6:1–4
“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do— blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your
Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
REFLECTION
In this passage, Jesus is not saying it’s bad to give to others, fast, or pray in public. But he warns his audience against doing those things for attention or approval from other people. Once again, Jesus is focusing on our hearts—why we do what we do, even in our “good deeds.” We’ve all been guilty of doing something kind or helpful just to get attention or manipulate a situation. And we might not even be aware of our motives! In Jeremiah 17, the prophet says “the human heart is the most deceitful of all things,” which means it’s easy for us to lie to ourselves.
But the Bible is clear that even when we do good things, and even with the right motive, we cannot earn favor with God. His mercy is already extended to us! And his favor is placed on us when we place our trust and our lives in Jesus’ hands. Because our sinful nature is subtle, it’s important to pray and ask God to search our hearts (Psalm 139:23–24). We should always be quick to reflect on our motives and ask Jesus to keep our hearts pure as we serve him.
Can you think of a time you were doing the “right thing” but it was for the wrong reason?
Have you ever asked God to search your heart? If not, pray through Psalm 139:23-25 and ask God to open your eyes to the sin in your life.