The Beauty of Secret Giving

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 6:3–4

When you give to the needy, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. That means—don’t applaud yourself. Don’t keep a record of what God allows you to give. Don’t give and then look back to see if anyone noticed. Jesus is calling us to a lifestyle of quiet, humble generosity.

When I was growing up in the late 50s and early 60s, there was a TV show called The Lone Ranger. He wore a mask and would ride into town, solve a problem, bring justice, and ride away—without needing the applause. The townspeople would always ask, “Who was that masked man?” That’s what we’re called to be like—spiritual Lone Rangers.

When our boys were young, I wanted to teach them this. One day I said, “Let’s mow the neighbor’s yard, edge the driveway, and roll up the hose while they’re away.” After we finished, I told them, “Now remember, no one is supposed to know.” But my oldest son had written a note: “Dear neighbor, today we mowed your yard… just wanted you to know.” I said, “You can’t use that.” I wanted to teach him the importance of giving for God’s glory, not our own credit.

We love to be noticed. But God wants us to give anonymously. That is the secret gift—and He promises to reward what is done in secret.

Who can you bless today, without anyone knowing?