Matthew 6:1–4 (Listen)
6:1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Devotional:
Keep It Low Key
Don’t give insincerely – instead, prayerfully meditate on your giving habits. Are you giving because you personally want to gain something or enhance your reputation? That is no reason to give; it will not get you much in this life. Giving should be a genuine affection to love and care for others. The reward gifted in life by being flashy about it is limited to worldly praise. But those whose giving is low key and done with pure motives will be rewarded eternally.