The Secret to Giving: What Jesus Teaches About Generosity
Money is the number one issue married couples argue about and the second leading cause of divorce behind infidelity. Financial stress affects 52% of American adults who worry daily about their finances. With statistics like these, it's clear we need to understand God's way of handling our resources.
In Matthew 6, Jesus gives us specific instructions about giving that can transform not just our finances, but our hearts.
Why Does Jesus Say "Be Careful" About Giving?
Jesus begins His teaching on giving with a warning: "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them." This caution isn't about whether we should give, but about our motivation for giving.
The key question is: Do we give for God's eyes or for man's eyes?
In Jesus' time, some people would make a show of their giving. They would throw coins into trumpet-shaped offering containers in the synagogue, creating a loud clanging noise so everyone would notice their generosity. Jesus called these people hypocrites because they weren't truly giving—they were buying the praise of men.
The Soul of Secrecy Grows the Fruit of Intimacy
Jesus teaches that our giving should be so private that "your left hand doesn't know what your right hand is doing." This secrecy creates intimacy with God. When we give in ways that only God sees, we develop a deeper relationship with Him.
This doesn't mean all giving must be anonymous. Matthew 5:16 says, "Let your light shine before men so that they see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." The difference is in the motivation:
- Giving for people to notice and praise you = wrong motivation
- Giving as leadership to inspire others to give = right motivation
The goal is always that God receives the glory, not us.
Who Are "The Poor" We Should Give To?
When Jesus talks about giving to "the poor," He's referring to more than just those who lack material resources. In the Beatitudes, Jesus spoke of the "poor in spirit"—those who recognize their spiritual need.
While we should certainly help those in physical need, our giving should also support the spread of the gospel to those who are spiritually impoverished. This is why supporting churches, missions, and ministries is so important.
The true treasure of the church isn't buildings or programs but the care we give to those in need—both physically and spiritually. As one early church deacon told a Roman official who demanded to see the church's treasures: "Look at the sick being nursed, the poor whose needs are being supplied, the widows and orphans being fed. These are the treasures of the church."
How Giving Changes Our Hearts
In Matthew 6:19-24, Jesus explains how our relationship with money affects our spiritual condition:
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Giving doesn't just change others' lives—it changes us too. When we give generously:
- Our treasure changes from fleeting to lasting (from things that moths and rust destroy to eternal impact)
- Our hearts change from fearful to faithful
- Our vision changes from stingy to generous
- Our life's leader changes from money to God
Jesus uses the metaphor of the eye as "the lamp of the body." In Jewish culture, a "good eye" represented generosity, while a "bad eye" represented stinginess. When we're generous, our whole life is filled with light.
The ultimate point isn't about our wealth but our loyalty. God isn't trying to mess with your ledger—He's trying to secure your loyalty. You cannot serve both God and money.
How Should Christians Approach Giving?
Based on Jesus' teaching, here are three practical principles for giving:
- Give regularly and systematically - Most people give sporadically when touched emotionally, but God calls us to consistent giving. The biblical standard is the tithe (10%), but the key is to start somewhere and grow.
- Give happily - 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, "Each person should give what he's decided in his heart, not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver."
- Give for God's glory, not our gain - We don't give to get something back or to impress others. We give because God first gave to us through Jesus Christ.
Life Application
Before you ever gave anything to God, He gave everything for you. Jesus, "who was rich became poor for our sake so that we who are poor could become rich through Him." He gave His life on the cross so we could have eternal life.
This week, consider these questions:
- What is my true motivation when I give? Am I seeking recognition or truly giving out of love for God?
- Have I established a regular, systematic pattern of giving, or do I only give when emotionally moved?
- Where is my treasure truly located? What does my spending reveal about my priorities?
- Is there an area of giving where God is calling me to take a step of faith?
Take time to pray: "Lord, I want to follow your owner's manual. I want to handle what you've given me in a way that glorifies you. Give me courage to honor you and to treasure you, starting this very week."
Remember, God doesn't need your money—you need to give. Giving changes your heart and aligns your priorities with God's kingdom purposes.
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Watch the full message from Sun, Sept 28, 2025 by Pastor Gregg Matte: Reading the Owner's Manual - Giving: Seen or Secret?