Matthew 6:1-4
“Beware 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 reward you openly.”
This passage is from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, a collection of his teachings to his disciples and a wider crowd. Here, he instructs them on how to practice religious duties like giving to the needy, prayer, and fasting, emphasizing the inner motivation over outward display.
How does the intention behind an action shape its meaning, both for yourself and for the community you are serving?