<description>&lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; Jesus said, &lt;em&gt;"Don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing."&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt;  &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; But does that really mean Christians should &lt;strong&gt;never&lt;/strong&gt; talk about giving?&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt;  &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; 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.&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt;  &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; Sparked by a viral clip referencing Matthew 6, they walk through what Jesus was &lt;strong&gt;actually&lt;/strong&gt; 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.&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; This isn't about bragging.&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt;  &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; It's about obedience, clarity, and letting God get the glory.&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt;  &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt;  &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt;  &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; &lt;strong&gt;What You'll Learn in This Episode&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;ul class="RichTextList-bulleted"&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; Why Matthew 6 is about &lt;strong&gt;motive&lt;/strong&gt;, not secrecy&lt;/div&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; How applying "give in secret" consistently would silence prayer and testimony too&lt;/div&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; The difference between generosity that &lt;strong&gt;inspires&lt;/strong&gt; vs generosity that &lt;strong&gt;performs&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; Why public generosity is everywhere in Scripture (Barnabas, the Macedonian church, Zacchaeus, the widow's mite, Mary anointing Jesus)&lt;/div&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; How generosity becomes &lt;strong&gt;contagious&lt;/strong&gt; when stories are shared&lt;/div&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; Practical ways to check your heart before sharing a testimony&lt;/div&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; When God says "share it" — and when He says "keep it quiet"&lt;/div&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt;  &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Key Scriptures Mentioned (NLT)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;ul class="RichTextList-bulleted"&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; Matthew 6:1–4 — Giving with the right motive&lt;/div&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; Acts 4–5 — Barnabas vs. Ananias &amp; Sapphira&lt;/div&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; Luke 19:8–9 — Zacchaeus' public repentance and generosity&lt;/div&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; 2 Corinthians 8–9 — The Macedonian church &amp; contagious generosity&lt;/div&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt;  &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; &lt;strong&gt;A Key Takeaway&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; God isn't after secrecy for secrecy's sake.&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; He's after hearts that give &lt;strong&gt;for His glory&lt;/strong&gt;, not human applause.&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; Some generosity should be quiet.&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; Some testimonies are meant to be shared.&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; The wisdom is knowing the difference—and having the courage to obey either way.&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt;  &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt;  &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Action Item for This Week&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; Ask God one simple question in prayer:&lt;/div&gt; &lt;blockquote class="RichTextBlockQuote"&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; "Is there a generosity story You want me to share—or one You want me to keep private?"&lt;/div&gt; &lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; Then obey, even if it feels uncomfortable.&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt;  &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt;  &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Generosity isn't about being seen—it's about letting God be seen.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; &lt;img class="Emoji" title=":point_right:" src= "" alt="👉" /&gt;&lt;strong id= "docs-internal-guid-6800d0c0-7fff-62fc-209e-70356cc2cac5"&gt;👉&lt;/strong&gt; If this episode helped clarify something you've wrestled with, share it with a friend who needs this conversation.&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt;  &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt;  &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Disclaimer:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; This content is for educational and spiritual encouragement only and is not individualized financial advice. Always pray and seek wise counsel as you apply biblical principles to your own life.&lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt;  &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class= "TypographyPresentation TypographyPresentation--medium RichText3-paragraph--withVSpacingNormal RichText3-paragraph HighlightSol HighlightSol--buildingBlock"&gt; &lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;Watch this episode on our &lt;a href= "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCREfMgyUzMp5UAI0ALjCnSw"&gt;SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel&lt;/a&gt; (&lt;a href= "https://youtu.be/en12Gf9uDCU"&gt;https://youtu.be/en12Gf9uDCU&lt;/a&gt;)!&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p dir="ltr"&gt;If you haven't checked out our best-selling book &lt;a href="https://seedtime.com/smrl/"&gt;Simple Money, Rich Life&lt;/a&gt; (&lt;a href= "https://seedtime.com/smrl/"&gt;https://seedtime.com/smrl/&lt;/a&gt;), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books." &lt;/p&gt; You can take it for a test drive for FREE at &lt;a href= "https://seedtime.com/sample"&gt;https://SeedTime.com/sample&lt;/a&gt; where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.&lt;/div&gt;</description>

SeedTime with Bob and Linda Lotich

Bob Lotich, Linda Lotich

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

DEC 27, 202530 MIN
SeedTime with Bob and Linda Lotich

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

DEC 27, 202530 MIN

Description

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 Ask God one simple question in prayer: "Is there a generosity story You want me to share—or one You want me to keep private?" Then obey, even if it feels uncomfortable. Generosity isn't about being seen—it's about letting God be seen. 👉 If this episode helped clarify something you've wrestled with, share it with a friend who needs this conversation. Disclaimer: This content is for educational and spiritual encouragement only and is not individualized financial advice. Always pray and seek wise counsel as you apply biblical principles to your own life. Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/en12Gf9uDCU)! If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books." You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.