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But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. --- Matthew 6:3-4 It’s easier to do what’s right when we gain recognition and praise. To be sure our motives are not selfish, we should do our good deeds quietly or in secret, with no thought of reward. Jesus says we should check our motives in three areas: generosity (6:4), prayer (6:6), and fasting (6:18). Those acts should not be self-centered but God-centered, done not to make us look good but to make God look good. The reward God promises is not material, and it is never given to those who seek it. Doing something only for ourselves is not a loving sacrifice. With your next good deed, ask , Would I still do this if no one would ever know I did it? --- Life Application Study Bible notes PRAYER I pray for the humility I may need to act quietly and discretely especially when I give. Spare me from the strong urge to receive recognition from people that I am doing the good things in life. Make me forget my good deeds. Purify my heart so that I can be more like You. Give me a heart that is genuinely caring and sincerely compassionate. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen