Give Without Showing Off

Introduction

Giving is a divine principle that reflects the heart of God. Our Father is the ultimate giver, for “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). As believers, we are called to walk in the footsteps of our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave selflessly, without seeking recognition or applause from men. However, the danger many fall into is the temptation to give in a way that draws attention to themselves rather than to God. In this message, we will examine why we should give without showing off, the blessings of secret giving, and the dangers of seeking human praise.

1. The Warning of Jesus About Showing Off

Jesus Himself addressed the issue of giving in Matthew 6:1–4:
“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.”

Notice that Jesus warns us not to seek attention in giving. Giving should be an act of worship, not a stage performance. When we give to impress people, the only reward we receive is human applause, which fades quickly. But when we give secretly, the Father who sees our hearts will bless us abundantly.

2. Giving Is About God, Not About Us

The act of giving is not meant to glorify the giver but to glorify God. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 9:11–12:
“You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.”

Our generosity should direct people’s hearts to praise God, not us. When someone receives help, they should glorify the Lord for His provision, not treat us as the source. We are simply channels through which God flows. The moment we begin to exalt ourselves in giving, we steal the glory that belongs to God alone.

3. The Danger of Pride in Giving

Pride is a silent killer of good works. The enemy knows that if he cannot stop us from giving, he can tempt us to boast about it. Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” When we give to display our wealth, influence, or spirituality, pride creeps in. Instead of building humility, giving becomes a tool for self-exaltation.

The Pharisees in Jesus’ time were guilty of this. They gave loudly, prayed publicly, and fasted with sad faces so that people could admire their devotion. But Jesus said in Matthew 23:5, “But all their works they do to be seen by men.” This kind of giving does not please God and brings no eternal reward.

4. The Example of True Giving

One of the greatest examples of humble giving is found in Mark 12:41–44. Jesus observed the people putting money into the temple treasury. The rich gave large amounts, but then a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins. Jesus declared, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

What made her gift remarkable was not its size but its sincerity. She gave quietly, without any show. Her heart was focused on God, not on being noticed. To this day, her humble offering is remembered as a testimony of faith and selflessness.

5. Giving in Secret Brings True Reward

When we give in secret, God Himself becomes our rewarder. Hebrews 6:10 reminds us:
“For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

Men may forget, and people may never recognize our sacrifice, but God sees every act of kindness, every offering given, and every seed sown. He is faithful to bless us not only in this life but also in eternity.

Paul also encourages us in Galatians 6:9, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” The season of harvest will surely come for those who give with pure motives.

6. Practical Ways to Give Without Showing Off

Here are some practical ways believers can practice secret giving:

Give anonymously when possible. You do not always need your name attached to your gift. Let God alone know.
Guard your words. Avoid boasting or constantly reminding people of what you did for them. Let your actions speak.
Focus on the need, not the recognition. Ask, “How can I truly help this person?” rather than “How will people see me?”
Pray over your gift. Commit it to God before giving, asking Him to use it for His glory.
Remember your Source. Always acknowledge that everything you have came from God. You are simply returning a portion to bless others.

7. The Blessing of Cheerful Giving

God not only looks at how we give but also at the attitude of our hearts. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

A cheerful giver does not seek applause. Their joy comes from knowing they are participating in God’s work and reflecting His love. The blessing of cheerful giving is inner peace, joy, and the assurance that you are walking in obedience to God.

Conclusion

As believers, we are called to a higher standard of giving. The world may measure generosity by the amount or by public recognition, but God measures it by the purity of the heart. Jesus taught us to give in secret so that our Father who sees in secret will reward us openly.

Do not let pride rob you of your eternal reward. Do not give to impress others, but give to honor God. Remember the widow who gave quietly, the words of Jesus against hypocrisy, and the promise of a faithful God who never forgets the labor of love.

Let every gift you give, whether big or small, be an act of worship—done in humility, in faith, and in love—so that in all things, glory will return to God alone.