Matthew 6:2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Context: Matthew 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. Matthew 6:3-4 But 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. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
From the lexicon: Do alms=perform acts of charity.
Pulling it together: When you do acts of kindness, do not call attention to it. Such behavior is practiced by hypocrites–those that do falsely (act one way when their heart is not in it)–in attempt to get the praise of men. Jesus does not deny we ought to do right, but to do it unto God Who will reward accordingly. Fellowships of believers are often torn apart by hypocrisy. Many unbelievers give the excuse for not going to church because there are too many hypocrites there. Unfortunately, that is all too often true. Believers are called to live genuine redeemed lives, being transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). The lost and dying world around us needs to see the genuine article–a life that has been made anew in Christ, living in sincerity, not putting on airs not calling attention to oneself.
Lord, I pray for grace to live as Jesus lived, not putting on a show, but humbly yielding myself to me Father’s will.