Photo: Ian McAdie (Cascades Majesty – Squamish River Valley, British Columbia)
Author: Stephen Weller
1,927 words, 10 minutes read time
Real Giving
Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:1-4; 7:2b, 6; 13:12; Mark 4:24-25; Luke 6:38; 8:18
Context:
The statements in Matthew 6:1–4; 7:2b, 6; 13:12, Mark 4:24–25, and Luke 6:38; 8:18 are united by a common theme: the principle of spiritual reciprocity within the kingdom of God; what one gives, measures, values, or responds to is reflected back by God in deeper measure. In Matthew 6:1–4, Jesus warns against practicing righteousness (such as giving) for human recognition, emphasizing that God rewards what is done in secret, establishing the inward motive as central to divine response. Matthew 7:2b and Luke 6:38 expand this idea using the imagery of measurement: the standard one uses toward others, whether judgment, mercy, or generosity, becomes the standard God applies in return. Matthew 7:6 adds a note of discernment, teaching that what is holy should not be given indiscriminately to those who will reject it, showing that spiritual stewardship also affects outcomes. In Matthew 13:12, Mark 4:24–25, and Luke 8:18, Jesus applies this principle to hearing and receiving truth: those who listen carefully and respond in faith are given greater understanding, while those who neglect or resist truth lose even what they seem to have. Together, these passages reveal a consistent kingdom law: God responds to the heart’s posture, whether in giving, judging, discerning, or receiving truth, with a corresponding and often multiplied return, underscoring both the responsibility and the blessing of living with sincerity, generosity, and attentiveness before Him.
Event Narrative:
The narrative for this section was obtained from two similar texts, using the highlighted material shown below. The selection was determined by Jerry Peyton and copyrighted in 2015 by Jerry Peyton and Biblical Studies Press L.L.C.
From the above worksheet photo, following the numbers and the text in red, the following narrative is produced.
Mt 6:1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 2 Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Lk 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. Mk 4:24 Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you and still more will be added to you. Lk 8:18 Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, Mt 13:12 and he will have an abundance, Lk 8:18 and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.”
Mt 7:6 “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.”
Bible Lessons for this event:
H222 Do Not Seek Praise (Matthew 6:1-4)
H223 How We Give (Matthew 13:12; Mark 4:24 Luke 6:38, 8:18)
Event Summary:
This event focuses on themes of sincerity in good deeds, generosity, and the principle of reciprocity in spiritual life. They emphasize that God values the heart and intent behind actions, and what we give—whether in kindness, judgment, or generosity—returns to us in measure.
Key points of this event are:
(1) Jesus teaches that acts of righteousness, such as giving to the needy, should be done without seeking public recognition. He warns against doing good deeds for the sake of applause or approval from others, stating that those who do so already have their reward. This teaching emphasizes that God values sincerity and humility. Acts of kindness should be motivated by genuine compassion, with the intention of honoring God, not oneself. (Matthew 6:1-4)
(2) Jesus teaches that the measure we use to judge or give to others will be the measure used for us. If we are generous, kind, and forgiving, we will receive the same in return. However, if we are judgmental or stingy, that same standard will be applied to us. This principle emphasizes reciprocity and accountability in how we treat others. It encourages believers to practice mercy, generosity, and fairness, knowing that these will return to them in kind. (Mark 4:24-25; Luke 6:38)
(3) In Matthew 7:6, Jesus cautions against giving what is sacred to those who may not appreciate or respect it, symbolized by “throwing pearls to pigs.” This teaches discernment in sharing spiritual truths, understanding that wisdom should be shared with those open to it. Matthew 13:12, Mark 4:24, and Luke 8:18 all emphasize that those who embrace and value spiritual truth will receive more understanding, while those who disregard it may lose even what they have. These teachings reflect the principle of spiritual growth: those who are faithful with what they have been given will grow in understanding, while indifference or rejection leads to spiritual loss.
(4) Jesus encourages generosity, saying that those who give will receive “a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.” This image represents abundant blessings returning to those who give freely. This event reinforces the principle that God blesses a generous and open-hearted spirit, encouraging believers to give without fear, trusting that God’s provision is more than sufficient. (Luke 6:38)
The central message of this event is that God values sincerity, discernment, and generosity in how we live and share with others. Jesus calls his followers to perform good deeds with a pure heart, practice generosity, and be mindful of how they judge others, knowing that the measure they use will be returned to them. These teachings invite believers to approach life with an open, generous spirit, understanding that God rewards those who act with humility, compassion, and integrity. They also encourage a wise handling of spiritual truths, fostering a life marked by discernment, growth, and an abundance of blessings.
Understanding and Application:
Understanding Questions with Extended Answers
1. What warning does Jesus give about practicing righteousness in Matthew 6:1–4?
Answer:
Jesus warns against doing righteous acts, such as giving to the needy, for the purpose of being seen and praised by others. When actions are motivated by human recognition, the reward is limited to that recognition alone; there is no spiritual reward from God. However, when giving is done quietly and sincerely, without seeking attention, it reflects a heart that desires to honor God rather than self. God, who sees what is done in secret, responds by granting a reward that is eternal and spiritually meaningful. This teaching highlights that God evaluates not just actions, but motives, emphasizing inward sincerity over outward display.
2. How does the principle “with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:2b; Mark 4:24) apply to both judgment and learning?
Answer:
This principle teaches that the standard we apply to others, or to God’s truth, will be the standard applied back to us. In judgment, a harsh, critical spirit invites similar treatment, while mercy leads to mercy. In learning and receiving truth, the “measure” refers to attentiveness, humility, and openness. Those who listen carefully, apply what they hear, and seek understanding will receive greater insight. Conversely, those who are careless or resistant will experience diminishing understanding. This reveals a spiritual law: growth is proportional to receptivity and engagement with God’s truth.
3. What does Jesus mean when He says, “Do not give what is holy to dogs” (Matthew 7:6)?
Answer:
Jesus is instructing His followers to exercise discernment in sharing sacred truths. “What is holy” represents the valuable truths of God’s kingdom, while “dogs” and “pigs” symbolize those who are hostile, contemptuous, or unwilling to receive such truth. This does not mean withholding the gospel from sinners, but rather recognizing when someone persistently rejects or mocks truth. Continually offering deep spiritual truths to those who scorn them can lead to further rejection and even harm. Wisdom requires knowing when to speak and when to refrain, entrusting such individuals to God’s timing and work in their hearts.
4. How do Matthew 13:12, Mark 4:25, and Luke 8:18 explain the principle of spiritual increase and loss?
Answer:
These passages teach that spiritual understanding is dynamic; it either grows or diminishes. Those who “have” (meaning they receive, value, and apply truth) will be given more understanding. Their capacity to perceive and grasp deeper truths increases. However, those who do not truly receive or act upon what they hear will lose even the limited understanding they possess. This is not arbitrary but reflects a response-based principle: truth retained and practiced expands, while truth ignored or neglected fades. It underscores the responsibility to steward what God reveals.
5. What does Luke 6:38 teach about giving, and how does it connect to the other passages?
Answer:
Luke 6:38 teaches that giving—whether generosity, mercy, or kindness, results in a multiplied return: “good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over.” This reflects God’s abundant nature in responding to a generous heart. The connection to the other passages lies in the principle of measure: just as attentiveness to truth brings greater understanding, generosity toward others brings greater blessing. It reveals a consistent kingdom pattern—what flows out from the heart returns in greater measure, whether it is generosity, judgment, or receptivity to truth.
6. According to Luke 8:18, why is it important to “take care how you hear”?
Answer:
Jesus emphasizes that not only hearing, but how one hears, determines spiritual outcome. Hearing with humility, faith, and a willingness to obey leads to increased understanding and growth. Hearing with indifference, pride, or superficial interest leads to loss. This means that listening to God’s Word is an active responsibility; it requires intentional focus and a responsive heart. The way one approaches God’s truth determines whether it transforms or fades away.
7. How do these passages collectively reveal a unified spiritual principle?
Answer:
Together, these passages reveal a foundational kingdom principle: God responds to the posture of the human heart. Whether in giving, judging, listening, or receiving truth, the measure of one’s sincerity, humility, and responsiveness determines the outcome. A heart that seeks God genuinely is given more, more understanding, more blessing, and deeper relationship. A heart that is careless, prideful, or resistant experiences spiritual loss. This principle demonstrates both God’s justice and His generosity: He faithfully multiplies what is entrusted to Him, whether good or bad.
8. What practical application can be drawn for daily living?
Answer:
Believers are called to live with intentionality in four key areas: motives, judgment, receptivity, and generosity. They should examine their motives to ensure actions are done for God’s glory, not human praise. They should extend grace and fairness in how they treat others. They should actively engage with God’s Word, seeking to understand and apply it. And they should give generously, of resources, kindness, and truth, trusting that God will respond abundantly. Living this way aligns one’s life with God’s kingdom principles and results in continual spiritual growth and blessing.
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