# Christians Are Getting THIS Wrong About Giving (and why it's hurting us more than we realize)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/seedtime-with-bob-and-linda-lotich-65777/christians-are-getting-this-wrong-about-giving-and-why-it-s-hurting-us-more-than-we-realize
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/seedtime-with-bob-and-linda-lotich-65777/christians-are-getting-this-wrong-about-giving-and-why-it-s-hurting-us-more-than-we-realize.md
Podcast: [SeedTime with Bob and Linda Lotich](https://stenobird.com/podcast/seedtime-with-bob-and-linda-lotich-65777)
Published: 2025-12-27T12:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://seedtime.libsyn.com/christians-are-getting-this-wrong-about-giving-and-why-its-hurting-us-more-than-we-realize
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/seedtime/Christians_Are_Getting_This_Wrong_About_Giving_and_Its_Hurting_Us.m4a?dest-id=691991
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Duration seconds: 1833

## Resource

Jesus said, "Don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." But does that really mean Christians should never talk about giving? In this episode, Bob and Linda tackle one of the most misunderstood passages in the Bible—and why misreading it has quietly hurt generosity, discipleship, and spiritual growth in the church. Sparked by a viral clip referencing Matthew 6, they walk through what Jesus was actually addressing (motive, not visibility), why public generosity shows up all over Scripture, and how sharing testimonies—when done with the right heart—can inspire radical obedience in others. This isn't about bragging. It's about obedience, clarity, and letting God get the glory. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why Matthew 6 is about motive , not secrecy How applying "give in secret" consistently would silence prayer and testimony too The difference between generosity that inspires vs generosity that performs Why public generosity is everywhere in Scripture (Barnabas, the Macedonian church, Zacchaeus, the widow's mite, Mary anointing Jesus) How generosity becomes contagious when stories are shared Practical ways to check your heart before sharing a testimony When God says "share it" — and when He says "keep it quiet" Key Scriptures Mentioned (NLT) Matthew 6:1–4 — Giving with the right motive Acts 4–5 — Barnabas vs. Ananias & Sapphira Luke 19:8–9 — Zacchaeus' public repentance and generosity 2 Corinthians 8–9 — The Macedonian church & contagious generosity A Key Takeaway God isn't after secrecy for secrecy's sake. He's after hearts that give for His glory , not human applause. Some generosity should be quiet. Some testimonies are meant to be shared. The wisdom is knowing the difference—and having the courage to obey either way. Action Item for This Week As…

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