Question: Should giving be done in secret?

[Bee Q]

One of the friends I invited to the challenge quoted Matthew 6:2-4:

“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, Who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

My understanding of his reservation is that to give and then blog it, and possibly hanging around other people who are also 'trumpeting' their good deeds, may hinder the spiritual reward promised by God. I have a different interpretation of that passage, but I can't properly say in words. What is clear to me though, is that from looking around the stories here, rewards are overflowing. It's like the power of group meditation. However, I'm not well-versed enough in the Bible to speak in Biblical terms to him. I would appreciate any insights on this. Thank you!

[Erin - 29Gifts Community Manager]

This scripture, from my personal interpretation, is preaching against pride, not really saying that giving has to be a secret, just saying we shouldn't brag about it - it's saying that BRAGGING about giving is wrong. What we do here isn't bragging, it's more like we each inspire one another to continue to give.

I honestly don't know that you'll ever convince your friend to re-interpret the scripture though, if he's been taught that it means that you should only give in secret...

[Cindy]

I have a "Live and Let Live" attitude on this.

You can agree with your friend - for him. You can say that you support his efforts to give in secret and to stay close to his understanding of spiritual principles. That you honor his path.

You can, at the same time, choose your own path with your own spiritual understanding and manifestation.

That is the beauty of true spiritual awareness. It is about me and my understanding. It is not up to me, nor is it my job to convince anyone else to do something other than their own deep, personal undertakings.

Peace to you and your friend.

[PJ]

This is exactly how I was broght up. My dad would say "let not the left hand know what the right does". So I totally understand where your friend is coming from.

For some reason thought when I heard about this challenge through Charity focus....I was so thrilled...mainly coz of Cami Walker and her story and secondly to be part of a support group focussing on giving and sharing the experience, healing and Joy.

Challenges are a good way to pay attention to things that we would really want to focus in our lives. Challenges keeps the goal in focus.So yes I give but am I focussed on giving each day ...NO! So this challenge gives me the focus of the day as "Giving"

By forming a support group for giving we have created a collective JOY of giving that is so much more powerful and the ripple effect is gigantic. Inother words this challegehas created a power house of Giving :) a tremendous Power house :)

[Bee Q]

Thanks very much for clarifying the main gist of it, I can better answer him now. I won't be attempting to convince him, only to explain where the 29 days challenge is coming from. And since my invitation was in a public area, it'd be nice to clarify for anyone else who might be curious.

[Cami Walker -- 29Gifts Founder]

Wow. You guys all said it better than I could. To anyone who WANTS to be part of the 29 Gift Challenge, but DOESN'T want to publicly publish the specifics of what you give to whom, that is totally fine. You can mark your blog posts to stay private so only you see them. You can journal in a paper journal. The reasons we ask you to write about your experiences is to help you stay conscious and mindful of your giving ritual... and to inspire others to keep giving. You could also blog about what you're learning through your daily giving practice, rather then the specifics of what you're giving.

[sharon]

It has been my experience that secret giving is much more powerful, and to give and not be found out is harder because you must be humble to not get pats on the back for what you are doing. I can see how it is a spiritual practice, and what we do here is inspire not compare.

I think when my sponsor had me do that exercise every day for 2 weeks, it was very thrilling to give and not be found out, and I would do things like leave baskets of stuff on people's porches late at night, straighten greeting cards or clothes on hangers in the store, I often left anonymous notes in mailboxes to people who had the most beautiful yard, tree, or Christmas light display. I left paper money in people's purses and cars so they would find it, that was real fun! And paying for the car behind you or 3 cars behind you at a toll both is a hoot!

I would encourage anyone to do one secret give every day, especially if you are well into the program, and want to spice it up a little!
Have a great day!
-s

[Erin - 29Gifts Community Manager]

I have to agree, I do like the excitement of secret gifts. It's fun to sneak around, and to wonder about who the recipient was...

[Ana]

If you give with you heart you can never be wrong. Wether you keep it to yourself or you share it with the world. As far as I know Mother Teresa never made a secret of her deeds they where there for all to see, for all too inspire. When we share our kindness actions we are saying to others 'join me, be part of this giving family'. Obviously there is always free will. But kindness will always win.

[Cindy]

Rock on Ana! Mother Theresa is one of my great inspirations! :)

[sharon]

Mother Teresa, one of my favorite role models of all time! Thanks for that Ana!
-sharon

[wendy]

I dont think it is so much to get a pat on the back when people blog more to share the wonderful feeling with others.luv Wendy

[Bee Q]

Thank you so much for all the input. I thought they were wonderful and have linked my friend to here. I've learnt lots from this, and secret giving sounds deviously fun!