Matthew 6:1-4

In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus says: "When you give, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your generosity is secret. And your Father, who sees all that is done in secret, will reward you."

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus gives instructions to his disciples for their ministry. He cautions them to avoid pride and urges them to give alms and pray in secret, as God will know what they have done and said even if others do not. The sixth chapter of the gospel of Matthew is the only place in the New Testament that contains this emphasis, but the gospels report that Jesus often criticizes hypocrisy.

The more public our piety, of course, the greater the opportunity for hypocrisy.

Grace and peace...Bob