A Genuine Giving Heart - Eduardo Letkeman

Today’s reflection centers on the heart behind our giving and the difference between outward acts of charity and genuine generosity. We began by looking at two modern examples: Chuck Finny, who quietly gave away his fortune to help others, and Mark Zuckerberg, who pledged to donate most of his wealth but did so in a way that kept control and public attention. These stories set the stage for Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:1-4, where He warns against practicing righteousness for the sake of being seen by others. The call is not just to give, but to give with a heart that seeks God’s approval, not human validation.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 6 are not a legalistic command to always give in secret, but an invitation to discernment and authenticity. He contrasts the outward show of the Pharisees—who did good deeds for public praise—with the quiet, sincere acts that God alone sees. This theme runs through the chapter, whether it’s giving, praying, or fasting: the Father who sees in secret will reward what is done with a pure heart.

The Old Testament commands generosity, but Jesus deepens the call by focusing on the motives behind our actions. He exposes the emptiness of works done for recognition, likening them to “hevel”—a Hebrew word meaning vapor or smoke, something that appears substantial but vanishes when grasped. True value in God’s eyes is not measured by the amount given, but by the sincerity and sacrifice behind it, as seen in the story of the widow’s two coins.

We are reminded that God does not require us to give everything we have, but He does desire that what we give—whether time, money, or attention—comes from a genuine place. Even the smallest act, when done with a sincere heart, can have eternal significance. The challenge is to resist the world’s pull for validation and instead serve for the sake of God’s kingdom, knowing that our reward comes from Him alone.