Matthew 6:1-4
Giving to the Needy
1"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2"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. 3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Jesus teaches us to be humble when we are helping others, volunteering or giving service to others...He tells us when we are helping our neighbors, we are to do it from the heart...Acts of helping others are not done for personal gain, glory, seeking any greatness, or seeking any recognition...Arrogance and pride can get in the way of giving...
When helping others and we do it physically, we cannot always do acts of kindness in secret...That is fine...Sincere acts of kindness are not opposed by Jesus, in fact He teaches them... But Jesus tells us that when we help others and can do it anonymously, that is a good course of action...
Doing good and helping others is good...Helping others in public and drawing attention (to the giving) is still helping...But Jesus leaves us no doubt that our true reward is from God, and not from someone giving us praise...
God takes the most notice when one gives sincerely, and is not seeking any thanks or gain from anyone...