Why Giving in Secret Matters More Than You Think
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Giving in secret sounds simple on paper. Do something kind, don’t tell anybody, move on. But try it for real and you’ll notice how strong that urge is to at least let one person know, or to post about it, or to work it into a conversation somehow. I catch myself doing this more than I’d like to admit.
What Jesus Actually Says
Matthew 6:1-4 says don’t do your good deeds to be seen, don’t announce it like the hypocrites who basically blew trumpets to call attention to their giving. Instead, don’t even let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give it in private, and God, who sees everything, will reward you.
This isn’t new either. Job defended his own character back in Job 31 by pointing out he’d cared for widows and orphans for years, quietly, long before anyone questioned him about it. Proverbs says it too, over and over, that generosity toward the poor honors God. None of those verses mention anybody clapping for it.
It’s Not About the Amount
There’s a story in Mark 12 where Jesus watches people put money into the temple offering. Rich folks put in large sums. Then a poor widow drops in two small coins, worth almost nothing. And Jesus says she gave more than all of them, because they gave out of their leftovers and she gave everything she had.
That’s really the whole point. It’s not about how big the gift looks. It’s about how much of you is actually in it.
Giving in secret – The Real Question
I think this whole passage comes down to one thing: are you doing good because you love people and love God, or because you love how it feels when people think you’re a good person. Nobody watching can tell the difference. But you can. And so can God.
Listen to the Full Episode
I go a lot deeper into this on the podcast this week, plus a story about my own struggle with this exact thing. Hit play below.
Pin Giving in secret for Later
Save this one for the next time you want to check your own heart before you post about something kind you did.
If you like this one, go back and listen to last week’s episode, Loving People Who Hurt You. And if you’re looking for an easy weeknight supper while you’re working through all this, my Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is a real crowd-pleaser.
About the Host
Hey sweet friend — I’m Ashley, the heart behind SimplyBlessedDesignz and the voice of Unscripted Conversations.
I’m a faith-filled creative who believes in Jesus, Dollar Tree flips, and showing up even when life gets messy. Whether I’m podcasting, crafting, or cooking something from scratch, my prayer is always the same: that you leave here encouraged and reminded you’re never alone.
Grab your coffee, pull up a chair, and let’s do this life—one grace-filled day at a time. 💛