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!

[Alan]

The way I see this is that by blogging about our gives here is not braging but sharing our ideas. I am just starting out on this and don't know exactly how I am going to go about it. Reading the blogs and posts I am learning new ideas.

It would be different if we went out and advertised to the whole world out there saying "I gave this and that to them and those."

I see this as sharing and not bragging

[sharon]

Thanks Alan, I think by blogging I am more mindful of what goes out, what comes back, and how my life and perception is changing. If you don't want to "brag", you can set your comments to private, but then, like you said, your gives are secret and we will not be able to "steal" any of your ideas! hehe-s

[Jan Post]

Hi Bee Q

I'm a Christian and pretty familiar with this passage. If you read the end of the first sentence it says if your giving is done "to be honored by men", then you have received your reward. I would have to ask these questions about my blogging: When you blog about your giving is it so that you can by honored by others, or so others may share in your joy? Is it so others may see good ideas they haven't considered before? Is your writing about working through your giving to achieve an understanding of characteristics in your own life that need to be worked on? I have been here a short time and I don't think people are Trumpeting their good deeds. Quite the contrary! They are experiencing and sharing the joy that comes from giving.

A gift given in secret, however, does have different rewards, and God does work powerfully through this, just as it says in the above verse. Just respect your friend for his convictions and maybe suggest if he's not comfortable with a blog then he may like to journal in a book instead.
Be Blessed,
Be a blessing!
Jan

[sharon]

Very well said Jan! Thanks!

[Cami Walker -- 29Gifts Founder]

I noticed that Ann just asked if gifts should be kept quiet so I'm adding a reply to this string so she can join our previous discussion.