At a recent lunch with a friend, the conversation shifted to the topic of charitable giving. With a concerned tone, he leaned forward and remarked, “You know, you really shouldn’t talk about your giving. Didn’t Jesus say it should be done in secret?” This interaction prompted me to reflect on a question that had been simmering in my mind for quite some time: Is complete confidentiality in charitable contributions truly what Jesus intended?
For years, I adhered to the belief that public acknowledgment of charitable acts contradicted scriptural teachings. Specifically, I often quoted Matthew 6:3-4, where Jesus advises that one should “not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,” emphasizing the importance of private giving. This interpretation seemed straightforward. However, what if in our efforts to cultivate humility and prevent pride, we have inadvertently fostered a culture where materialism overshadows generosity within our communities and churches?
To understand the implications of this belief, we must examine the context of Jesus’ teachings regarding the nature of giving. In Matthew 6:2, prior to his directive on secretive philanthropy, Jesus critiques the Pharisees for their ostentatious displays of generosity. He notes, “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.” This commentary highlights that the issue at hand was not solely the act of public giving, but rather the motivations driving those actions. The Pharisees sought human applause, not divine approval.
This intricate distinction sheds light on a pressing concern: by refraining from sharing the stories of our philanthropic endeavors, we may unintentionally stifle inspiration and discourage others from engaging in their own charitable pursuits. A few years ago, during a moment of introspection in prayer, I felt a gentle prompting that illuminated this reality. My spouse Linda and I had maintained silence about the financial miracles we experienced as a result of our obedience in giving. Like many, we preferred to keep our financial affairs private. However, I came to understand that in doing so, we failed to recognize opportunities to encourage others on their own journeys of giving.
Psalm 40:10 resonates with this tension, stating, “I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly.” This scripture suggests that concealing God’s work in our lives may inadvertently inhibit our ability to testify about His goodness.
Upon reviewing biblical texts, one finds numerous instances where public giving is depicted positively. For example, the account of the Widow’s Offering in Mark 12:41-44 illustrates how Jesus observed and applauded her sacrificial giving. The early Christians, as described in Acts 4:32-37, openly shared their possessions, fostering a spirit of community and generosity that served as a motivational force among believers. Similarly, Zacchaeus’ public acknowledgment of his intention to give back as part of his transformative experience (Luke 19:1-10) exemplifies the inspiring potential of transparent giving.
David’s public acts of giving from his lavish treasures (1 Chronicles 29:1-9) reflect how such examples can encourage others to respond in kind. Each of these narratives reinforces the notion that public giving, when pursued with the right motives, can galvanize collective faithfulness and inspire a culture steeped in generosity.
Moreover, Matthew 5:16 encapsulates this call to visibility, stating, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Here, Jesus expressly encourages believers to allow their acts of kindness to be visible, underscoring that the ultimate purpose is to glorify God rather than oneself.
Interestingly, a parallel exists between the guidance Jesus offers on giving and prayer. In Matthew 6:5-6, He similarly instructs individuals to pray in private to avoid the trappings of showmanship. However, we often do not criticize pastors who share insights from their personal prayer lives or authors who discuss their prayer routines, recognizing that their aim is typically to edify rather than to promote themselves. Given this understanding, why should charitable giving be viewed through a different lens?
There is an urgent need for models of radical generosity within our communities, particularly for younger generations who benefit from tangible examples of what this can look like in practice. Pastor Tim Keller once noted, “You never learn anything spiritually valuable by being told. You have to be shown.” By sharing our unique experiences of generosity—such as when Linda and I made a commitment to give away a percentage of my age each year, starting at 31% when I was 31 and increasing over time—we provide a concrete model that has the potential to motivate others in their own giving journeys.
Facilitators of our six-week financial class for churches have often observed that after hearing our story, congregants not only improved their financial management but also heightened both their joy in giving and the percentages they contributed. Our goal is not to compel everyone to follow our example but to highlight how obeying God’s call to generosity can lead to profound, fulfilling experiences.
To navigate the nuanced landscape of sharing our giving stories, it is essential to examine our motivations carefully. Before discussing our charitable actions, we should consider whether our intent is to glorify God or ourselves. When our narratives point to God’s faithfulness rather than merely showcasing our sacrifices, they likely hold value. It is also crucial to reflect on whether our experiences might encourage others to advance in their own giving journeys. Lastly, when our testimonies elevate God’s work rather than our individual sacrifices, we reinforce the idea that sharing is less about boasting and more about witnessing the transformative power of generosity.
The stakes are high. The next generation requires living illustrations of generous living fueled by faith, as opposed to mere theoretical teachings. While maintaining silence around giving may seem to safeguard our reputations for humility, it could inadvertently deprive others of the inspiration needed to take their own steps of faith. When we conceal our stories, we unknowingly propagate the notion that giving is something to be kept hidden rather than a joyful privilege to be celebrated.
Acts 4:20 embodies the imperative of sharing testimonies: “As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” When we recognize God’s miraculous provisions in our lives and share those experiences, we don’t engage in bragging; rather, we bear witness to His faithfulness. Ultimately, one of the most powerful expressions of generosity may not only reside in the act of giving financial resources but also in the willingness to share our narratives of God’s work in our lives.
The financial landscape is evolving rapidly. As we reflect on our practices of giving, we invite our community to join the conversation. What are your thoughts on the balance between sharing and humility in charitable acts? Your opinions are valuable. Let us know what you think in the comments, and join the discussion about how we can inspire one another toward radical generosity and faithful living.