“But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.”– Matthew 6:3 (KJV)
“But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”– Matthew 6:3 (NLT)
“When you do something for someone else, don’t call attention to yourself. You’ve seen them in action, I’m sure. Playactors! I don’t want to ruin their reward by making a spectacle of them.”– Matthew 6:3 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 6:3 Mean?
Matthew 6:3 carries an important message for us about how we should give to others. This verse is part of Jesus’ teachings during the Sermon on the Mount, which is a collection of important principles for living a life that pleases God. Here, Christ emphasizes the need for generosity that is both genuine and humble. The phrase “let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth” serves as a metaphor suggesting that when we help others, we should do so without seeking recognition or praise. It is all about our intention behind our actions. We are called to be selfless in our giving and not to boast about the good we do.
This is a point made throughout the Bible. In Proverbs 21:13, it teaches that if we ignore the cry of the poor, we will also cry out, but we will not be heard. This highlights that our hearts should lead us to care for others, without expecting anything in return. Giving in secret helps us maintain the purity of our intentions where we do not put our worth or identity in how others perceive our acts of kindness.
Matthew 6:3 Explanation and Commentary
In this verse, Jesus points out that there is a right way to give. It is our attitude, more than the action itself, that matters significantly. We can visualize it as a contrast of two motives: giving to gain recognition versus giving to truly help the needy. When we give to the needy, we ought to have a heart of compassion and not a need for applause. Just like when someone gives a gift or an act of kindness, their focus should not be on how people will react but rather on the joy of giving.
Taking it further, Jesus invites us into a deeper relationship with God. Giving is one of the key ways we can express our love and gratitude for God’s grace in our lives. This verse actually sets up a fertile ground for the establishment of community and relationships. Acts of generosity create a ripple effect in our social circle, encouraging others to also give selflessly.
The Bible also mentions in Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.” This emphasizes the overflow that comes when we give generously. God often blesses our willingness to help others not because we seek rewards but because we trust that He sees our actions.
Giving in secret not only generates a deeper connection with God but also strengthens our character. It cultivates humility within us. We grow to understand that everything we have is a gift from God, not something that we achieved by our strength or intelligence. This opens up our hearts to receive the greatness of God and enables us to mirror that in relationships with others.
Context of Matthew 6:3
To better understand Matthew 6:3, we must explore its context within the Gospel of Matthew. The surrounding verses serve to deepen our understanding of Jesus’ intent. Prior to this verse, Jesus warns about performing righteous acts to be seen by others, which negates the purpose of those deeds. Conversely, when we do things in secrecy, we position ourselves to receive true reward from God.
This teaching falls under a broader topic of Spiritual Practices in Matthew 6, addressing the significance of prayer, fasting, and giving. Exploring these practices, we see that they should not be mere showmanship but heart-driven acts that draw us closer to God.
In Matthew 5:16, Jesus encourages people to let their light shine before others, so they can see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. It might seem like a contradiction, but the difference lies in the motivation behind the actions. Our objective must be to give glory to God, rather than seeking self-glorification.
In this light, we can perceive that Matthew 6:3 serves as a cornerstone emphasizing selfless service, for our dedication should reflect our relationship with our Creator and our commitment to spreading love within our community.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 6:3
The verse starts with the phrase “when you give,” indicating that giving is an expected part of the Christian life. This expectation encourages a culture of generosity. We should not wait for special occasions to extend a helping hand. Continuously showing kindness and generosity becomes a hallmark of our identity as followers of Jesus.
Next, the verse instructs us not to let our left hand know what our right is doing. This is a powerful statement that reveals how secrecy should be cultivated in our acts of kindness. It requires discipline and intention to focus on those in need without making the act about us. This notion goes against the common behavior of seeking validation. Wanting to gain attention distorts the act of giving and can even harm our witness in the eyes of the world.
Furthermore, the verse illustrates that the real reward for our acts of kindness is found in the eyes of God. When we give out of a genuine desire to help, God sees us. In Psalms 139, we are reminded that God knows our hearts and our actions. It reassures us that our efforts do not go unnoticed, even if they are invisible to others.
In conclusion, treating giving as a sacred act allows us to build deeper bonds with those around us. It enriches our spirit and encourages others to also join in creating a culture centered around kindness.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 6:3
From Matthew 6:3, we gather valuable lessons that guide our relationships with God and others. The essence of giving rests upon our motivations. When we give, we must focus on the heart rather than the accolades we might receive. It is our heart posture that determines the effectiveness of our giving.
This verse encourages us to cultivate humility. Let’s think of how often we broadcast our good deeds for others to see. This can be a trap that leads to self-righteousness. Instead, we can ask ourselves if we can perform acts of kindness for the sole purpose of doing good without needing recognition.
Another critical lesson is the impact of community. Our actions in giving can inspire others. When we extend our hands to help those in need, we empower others to respond in kind. Generosity creates a cycle that fuels compassionate behavior. Instead of viewing our giving as an isolated act, we must recognize our role within a larger communal tapestry where each act of kindness has a collective impact.
Matthew 6:3 also teaches the importance of trusting God for our needs. When we give without reservation, we acknowledge that we are stewards of the resources He has blessed us with. This opens doors for God to bless us abundantly in ways that we could not expect. In Philippians 4:19, we read that “God will supply every need of ours according to His riches in glory.” This reinforces the idea that we don’t need to hoard our blessings but rather, share them willingly.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on Matthew 6:3 reveals profound insights into how we approach giving. Generosity is not merely a transactional act but a movement of the heart. When we reframe our perspectives on giving from self-promotion to glorifying God, we reap blessings beyond measure. Each act of kindness becomes a testament to our faith and allows light to shine through our lives.
Let us prioritize our intentions and carry forth the lesson of giving quietly and generously. As we model this behavior, we will inspire others and create an uplifting community for Christ. God sees our hearts and our desires to help. So, let’s not seek applause but enjoy walking in the beauty of His grace, sharing love, and making a difference.
If you’re interested in deepening your understanding of other biblical topics, consider reading more about faith in Matthew 11 or exploring the stories of creation in Genesis 1.