“Do Not Let Your Left Hand Know What Your Right Hand Is Doing”

“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.

Matthew 6:1-4

Sometimes, we feel unappreciated when our efforts don’t get recognized. Scripture, however, reminds us that God knows what we’re doing. He seeks what others don’t. And it pleases Him when we serve for His sake – not for man’s praise.

Perhaps that’s why Jesus gave us an example by telling us to do our giving “in secret,” so that “your Father, who sees what is done…will reward you.” We need not look to others for recognition and praise; we can take heart that God knows when we’re faithful in serving Him and others.

God sees everything we do for Him.

Our Daily Bread – November 26, 2017