It is good to give. But the motive for what we do will determine our reward. Religious people in Jesus' time often liked to be seen as generous patrons of the poor. They made their gifts obvious for all to see – not just the poor beggar who received the money but their peers and disciples too. Their charity became a matter of public approval; and the giver was rewarded by the respect of the crowd.

Jesus called them 'actors'; they were not really showing unconditional love, they were on a 'stage' playing to the applause of the audience. The Greek word for 'actor' is hypocrite. They were religious performers: not sincere towards God because their heart was set on making themselves look important, gaining glory from other people. Jesus said that they have already received their reward. They put on a good show for the onlookers and won popular approval. Their motive was not obedience towards God, or love for the poor, but self-centred personal ambition to be praised.

Giving which pleases God, is nobody else's business. It is a private transaction known only to God, a secret between Him and the giver. So, although we may give to the poor, we are really giving to the Lord … it is as though He is giving generously and we provide the courier service. After all, everything we have comes from God and we hold it in trust for Him, and look to Him to direct how it is to be used to achieve His purposes. We are not the benefactors; it is all from God and He should have the glory. When we grab the limelight and bow before our admirers, we are stealing the praise which really belongs to God. So we cannot expect any divine reward.

God cherishes the love we express to Him as we make secret gifts to others for His sake. He loves the way in which we pour out our devotion to Him by passing on some of the material blessings He has given to us. It is part of the way His kingdom works. And He will reward those who work with Him to provide for those in need, so that He gets the glory. Start by asking Him who He wants you to give to; then ask Him what He wants you to give. Then find a way to give so that you do not attract any attention to yourself; and make your gift and praise God for the privilege of being His courier of blessing. Keep it a secret and let God do the rest.