Matthew 6:1
Amharic Bible (መጽሐፍ ቅዱስ (የብሉይና የሐዲስ ኪዳን መጻሕፍት))
ለሰዎች ትታዩ ዘንድ ምጽዋታችሁን በፊታቸው እንዳታደርጉ ተጠንቀቁ፤ ያለዚያ በሰማያት ባለው አባታችሁ ዘንድ ዋጋ የላችሁም።
What Does This Mean?
Jesus warns against doing good deeds just to impress others. He says if that's the case, God won't reward you for it because your motive is wrong.
Explained for Children
Imagine sharing your toys with a friend so everyone sees how nice you are. Jesus is saying that's not why we should do good things. We should do them just to help others and make God happy.
Historical Background
Matthew, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, wrote this gospel around AD 80-90 for Jewish Christians. The cultural context was a mix of Judaism and early Christian teachings in a Roman world.
Living It Out Today
In modern times, if you donate to charity and put it on social media just to show off your generosity, the real act of giving is less meaningful. True charity is done quietly without seeking recognition.
Topics
charityhypocrisymotivationrewardprayergood deeds
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to do alms before men?
It means performing good deeds publicly, often with the intention of being seen by others and receiving praise or recognition from them.
Is there a right way to give charity according to this verse?
Yes, Jesus encourages giving in sincerity and humility without seeking public acknowledgment. The reward should be sought from God rather than people.
How can I avoid hypocrisy when doing good deeds?
To avoid hypocrisy, focus on the genuine desire to help others or glorify God, not for personal gain or recognition. Reflect on your motives and seek honest feedback from trusted friends.
Does this verse apply only to giving money?
No, it applies broadly to any form of good deed where the intention is to impress others rather than to serve God and help others sincerely.