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how might social media or public recognition influence our motivations for 'good works' today?

Adds the setting and its conversation across both testaments.

Matthew 6:1-4

““Be careful that you don’t do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, otherwise you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Therefore when you do merciful deeds, don’t sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you do merciful deeds, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand does, so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will himself reward you openly.””

This passage is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. Here, Jesus is instructing his disciples on the nature of righteous living, emphasizing internal motivations over external display in practices like giving, prayer, and fasting.

What does 'reward' truly mean when our actions are seen by God alone, and how does this contrast with the 'reward' of human recognition?

Then — the setting

This teaching was given by Jesus in Galilee, likely in the early 1st century CE. He was addressing Jewish people who lived under Roman rule, within a society where religious practice was often intertwined with social status and community standing. The 'hypocrites' (Greek: hypokritēs, literally 'actor' or 'one who wears a mask') were likely those religious leaders or individuals who performed pious acts to gain public acclaim and validate their spiritual authority rather than from genuine devotion to God or compassion for others. Public giving was a known practice, and while generosity was valued, Jesus critiqued the motivation behind seeking public 'glory' (doxa) for it.

Across the Testaments

This passage in Matthew belongs to the New Testament and is part of Jesus' ethical teachings. The Old Testament consistently emphasizes the importance of caring for the poor and vulnerable, often linking it to justice and righteousness (e.g., Deuteronomy 15:7-11, Proverbs 19:17). While the Old Testament doesn't explicitly forbid public acts of charity, it stresses the internal disposition of the heart towards God and neighbor (e.g., Psalm 51:17, Isaiah 58:6-7). Jesus' teaching here can be seen as deepening the Old Testament's concern for internal motivation, pushing beyond outward observance to the heart's true intent, warning that seeking human praise diminishes the spiritual 'reward' that comes from God.

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Luke 14:12-14
Jesus also advises inviting those who cannot repay you, promising a reward at the resurrection of the righteous.
Proverbs 3:27-28
This text encourages generosity when it is within one's power to give, without delay.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Paul speaks about cheerful giving from the heart, not under compulsion, and God's love for such givers.

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