New Testament
Matthew 6:1
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"Be careful not to do your good deeds in front of others just so they'll notice you. If you do, you won't receive any reward from your Father in heaven.
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Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
What Matthew 6:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus warns against performing good deeds for the sake of public recognition. He emphasizes that if your motivation for helping others is to gain praise or admiration from people, then you will miss out on the true reward from God. The focus should be on the intention behind the actions rather than the visibility of those actions. True goodness comes from a sincere heart that seeks to please God rather than seeking approval from others. This teaching encourages believers to act with humility and integrity, ensuring that their charitable acts are done quietly and without fanfare. By doing so, they align themselves with God's will and can expect a reward from Him, which is far more valuable than any earthly recognition. This principle applies not only to giving but to all acts of kindness and service, reminding us to keep our motives pure and focused on God’s glory rather than our own.
How to apply Matthew 6:1 to your life
When you perform acts of kindness, do so quietly and without seeking attention. Focus on helping others for the right reasons, knowing that God sees your heart. This approach fosters genuine relationships and aligns your actions with God's will.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1–7:29)
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Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 6:1 mean?
Matthew 6:1 teaches that good deeds should not be done for the sake of being seen by others. Instead, the focus should be on the intention behind the actions, emphasizing that true rewards come from God when acts of kindness are performed sincerely.
What is the meaning of good deeds in Matthew 6:1?
In Matthew 6:1, good deeds refer to acts of charity and kindness done to help others. The verse warns against performing these acts for public recognition, highlighting that the motivation should be to please God rather than to seek praise from people.
How can I apply Matthew 6:1 in my life?
To apply Matthew 6:1, perform acts of kindness quietly and without seeking attention. Focus on helping others for the right reasons, knowing that God values your sincerity and sees your heart.
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