Matthew 6:1
Take heed that yee doe not your almes before men, to bee seene of them: otherwise yee haue no reward of your father which is in heauen. Matthew 6:1 (KJV)
Matthew 6 is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches His disciples and the crowds about righteous living and the kingdom of God. In this verse He addresses the practice of giving alms or performing acts of charity. Jesus begins by cautioning His listeners against doing acts of righteousness merely to be seen and praised by others. The underlying principle is that our motivation matters to God.
Reflect on your own acts of charity or generosity. Are you motivated by a sincere desire to help others and please God, or are you seeking recognition and applause from people? Jesus emphasizes that performing acts of righteousness for public display diminishes their value. The true reward for such acts comes from God, who sees what is done in secret.
If we seek the approval of people, that will be our only reward. But when our motivation is to please God, He promises a reward from our Heavenly Father—an eternal reward that may not be immediate or tangible, yet far greater than fleeting human praise. This verse challenges us to examine our intentions and motivations when it comes to acts of righteousness.
Practicing humility is essential. Jesus teaches that acts of righteousness should be done quietly, without drawing attention to oneself. Cultivate humility in your acts of charity, serving others without seeking personal recognition, allowing God to receive the glory.
Regularly examine your heart and ask God to reveal any areas where you may be seeking the praise of people rather than seeking to please Him. Strive to maintain sincerity of heart and purity of motivation, trusting that the true reward comes from God and that His timing and faithfulness are sure.
By aligning our hearts and actions with God’s will, we experience the genuine reward that comes from our Heavenly Father, and we honor Him in both public and private acts of righteousness.
