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Book of Matthew - Chapter 6 - Verse 3

6:3
But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

Meaning

When Jesus uttered the verse 'But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth,' he was emphasizing the importance of humility and sincerity in acts of charity. By instructing his followers to keep their good deeds secret, Jesus was teaching them that true generosity should not be done for show or recognition. The focus should be on helping those in need rather than seeking praise or validation from others. This verse reminds believers to give with a pure heart, without expectation of reward or admiration. It teaches us that the true value of charity lies in the impact it has on the lives of others, not in the recognition we receive for our actions. By practicing humility in our giving, we can embody the selfless love and compassion that Jesus exemplified throughout his teachings.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of the verse "But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth" focuses on the theme of humility and sincerity in giving. This verse from the book of Matthew highlights the importance of performing acts of charity in a discreet and humble manner. By emphasizing that the left hand should not know what the right hand is doing, Jesus is teaching his followers to give without seeking recognition or praise from others. This challenges believers to have pure intentions when helping those in need, rather than seeking validation or approval for their actions. In addition, some scholars suggest that this verse also highlights the concept of giving selflessly without expecting anything in return, reflecting the sacrificial love and generosity that Christians are called to embody.

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