Lesson 12 – Giving & Rewards 

Matthew 6:1-4

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.  If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.  

”So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others.  Truly I tell you, they have Received their reward in full.  But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.  Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 

In these verses, Jesus addresses the motivation behind acts of righteousness, specifically the giving of charitable assistance to the needy. He warns against performing acts of righteousness with the sole purpose of seeking recognition and honor from others.

Jesus encourages his followers to practice their righteousness in secret, without seeking public attention or applause. He highlights the hypocrisy of those who make a show of their generosity, seeking the admiration and praise of others.

Instead, Jesus teaches that acts of kindness and generosity should be carried out discreetly, without drawing attention to oneself. The focus should be on the well-being of the recipients and the sincerity of one's heart, rather than seeking external recognition or rewards.

The underlying message is that true righteousness is not about appearances or public acclaim but about genuine compassion and selflessness. Jesus encourages his disciples to cultivate a humble and sincere attitude in their acts of charity, knowing that their heavenly Father sees and values their heartfelt actions.

However, the overall message emphasizes the importance of genuine and humble service to others, free from self-promotion and seeking earthly rewards. It calls believers to prioritize the intentions of their hearts and to seek the approval and reward of God rather than the applause of others.