You and I are called to be a blessing to others!
Giving is all about attitude and intent.
Jesus spoke in Matthew chapter 6:
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 Eho sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.
Jesus was warning against a subtle spiritual problem: doing outwardly good or religious things mainly to gain human approval, praise, or reputation rather than to honor GOD. He applies this warning to giving, praying, and fasting.
The issue is not public acts themselves, but the motive of the heart. Are you seeking GOD? Or are you seeking recognition from people?
So “take heed” is extremely important because Jesus is pointing to a danger that can quietly corrupt even good deeds. A person can appear very spiritual outwardly while inwardly seeking self-glory.
We are to be spiritually vigilant and guard our heart carefully, because pride and the desire for human approval can infiltrate even acts of worship and obedience.
Notice what Jesus said in verse 2. The word therefore means as a consequence. Notice that He said when, not if. Those who heed His Words, will be joyful givers without expecting human approval, praise, or reputation. FATHER takes note of our willingness to help others in need. HE is the Source of such Agape Love and we reflect HIS attributes of Love when we look for opportunities to give compassionately.
We are not to “toot our horn” so everyone will know what we are doing!
A hypocrite is someone who pretends to have beliefs, virtues, or character qualities that they do not truly live out consistently. In the Bible, hypocrisy especially refers to outward religious appearance that hides a different inward reality.
Jesus Christ spoke strongly against hypocrisy, especially among religious leaders. In Matthew 23, He repeatedly said:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites…”
The original Greek word referred to an actor wearing a mask in a theater. Spiritually, it came to mean someone presenting a false outward image.
Biblically, hypocrisy can include: appearing righteous publicly while secretly living differently, condemning sins in others while ignoring one’s own,
practicing religion for praise, saying the right things without obeying GOD from the heart, or pretending devotion while lacking Love, humility, or repentance.
For example, in Matthew 6, Jesus warned against:
praying to be seen,
giving to impress people,
and fasting for appearance.
A hypocrite is not simply a person who struggles or fails. The Bible recognizes that sincere believers still sin and repent. Hypocrisy is more about deliberate pretense,
spiritual dishonesty, and maintaining appearances rather than Truth.
Jesus emphasized that GOD sees the heart, not merely outward performance. So hypocrisy is fundamentally about living behind a spiritual mask instead of walking honestly before GOD.
Those with a pure heart will give with pure motives.
Attitude is the inward mindset, posture, or disposition a person carries.
Intent is the specific purpose or aim behind an action.