Matthew 6:4 emphasises the value of giving in a way that is pleasing to God: “That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.”
This verse teaches us about the attitude and approach we should have when performing acts of charity and righteousness.
- Grab your own copy of your latest ZimGospel Masters Magazine and don’t forget to visit our YouTube Channel to get to know of our content.
“That thine alms may be in secret,” highlights the importance of humility and sincerity in our charitable deeds. Alms refer to acts of giving to the poor and helping those in need. Jesus instructs us to give in secret, not seeking attention or praise from others. The focus should be on the act of giving itself and the benefit it brings to the recipient, rather than on gaining recognition or approval from people. This secrecy fosters a genuine heart of compassion and service, free from the desire for human accolades.
“And thy Father which seeth in secret,” reminds us that God sees everything, including our motives and the hidden actions of our hearts. God’s omniscience means that He is aware of all our deeds, even those done in private. This awareness reassures us that our acts of kindness and generosity do not go unnoticed by the One whose opinion matters most.
“Shall reward thee openly,” promises that God will reward those who give in secret. The rewards may not always be material or immediate, but they are assured. God’s rewards can come in many forms—spiritual growth, inner peace, joy, and the satisfaction of knowing we have pleased Him. Ultimately, the promise of eternal rewards in His kingdom is the greatest incentive for faithful and humble service.
Reflecting on this verse, we are encouraged to examine our motivations for giving and serving others. Are we seeking recognition, or are we genuinely motivated by love and compassion? Jesus calls us to a higher standard, where the purity of our intentions aligns with our actions.
In practical terms, this means looking for opportunities to help others without seeking attention. It means giving generously and discreetly, finding joy in the act itself and in knowing that God sees and values our efforts. It also involves trusting that God’s rewards, whether seen or unseen, are far more significant than any human praise.
This teaching aligns with the broader message of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus emphasises the inward righteousness of the heart over outward displays of piety. Matthew 6:1-3 further reinforces this by cautioning against performing righteous acts for public approval.
Today, let us commit to giving and serving with humility and sincerity. Let us focus on the needs of others and the pleasure of our Heavenly Father, rather than on the applause of people. By doing so, we align ourselves with God’s heart and ensure that our acts of kindness are pleasing to Him.
- Like and follow our Facebook page and Twitter page to get to know more of our content.
May we find joy in the secret acts of love and generosity, confident in the promise that our Father who sees in secret will reward us openly. Let our lives be marked by genuine compassion and humility, reflecting the love of Christ in all we do. Amen.
