The Narrow Path Ministries

Hello,

The scripture commands that believers should give to those who are in need. When one persons gives to another person, there is a choice of whether or not to give anonymously. When giving, what method is the better choice and why?

My current thoughts are as follows. Can anyone give some scriptural answer to this question?

In favor of anonymous giving:
1) Matthew 6 speaks favorably of not giving to be seen by men. This method allows even the recipient to be one who is not "seeing" the givers action.
2) If the recipient of a gift is a relative, friend or acquaintance this method avoids awkwardness in, or weakening of, the relationship. The awkwardness can result from the recipient feeling indebted to the giver, or if the recipient is prideful, he may be insulted by being viewed as so poor as to be in need of a gift.
3) A recipient who is truly in need cannot reject the gift (I have received such rejection recently).

In favor of not anonymous giving:
1) Matthew 5:16 speaks favorably of allowing good deeds to be seen by men.
2) It is much easier to ensure the gift reaches the intended recipient.
3) If it were necessary, any expectations for the recipient could be given.

A disadvantage to anonymous giving is that the recipient may choose to inquire of the giver asking if he gave the particular gift. The giver would need to respond truthfully, for it is wrong to lie. This would likely cause the potential disadvantages of anonymous giving to be realized.

Thanks,

When giving, what method is the better choice and why?

Give in such a way that attention is put on God and not yourself.

Blind Beggar, I really appreciate your response. Whether anonymous or not, giving glory to God rather than oneself is the essential thing.

Year ago, I helped a person whose car was stuck by pulling him out with my 4-wheel drive truck. He then proceeded to tell me what a wonderful man I was. I soaked it all in! I received man's praise, but I know I didn't get any from God for my action. I began to feel that I had done something very wrong toward God.

Since that time, in response to such praise, I have stated something simple such as, "It was God doing His work through me." Since I began gving God the glory, I have felt that I am truly serving Him by serving others.

Dear Guest1234,
The other replies give you valuable insight. I suspect you may be looking for something more narrow, however. Are you looking at monetary giving only or the more broad ideas of giving service, time, etc.?

livingink

Hi Guest 1234, You're thinking on giving seems right on to me. Whether anonymous or otherwise, if your heart and motives are right and you've weighed the pros and cons, you can't go wrong. I personally like to work/give in the background when that's appropriate, always asking the Father that my actions be in his will.

Give,bless and be blessed!

Thanks for all of your replies, it was asked:

livingink wrote: Are you looking at monetary giving only or the more broad ideas of giving service, time, etc.?

The answer is Yes, I was specifically trying to determine the best way to do monetary gifts.

Dear Guest 1234,

First, I would suggest that you go to the Topical Articles category on this site and look at Is Tithing for Christians? where Steve discusses the concept of stewardship of money. There are several scriptures there that deal with the general subject of giving.

Second, here are a few examples of specific NT monetary giving:

1) Matthew 2:11 The Magi gave gold to the Christ child in a somewhat private ceremony but after announcing to even King Herod that they planned to do so. 2,000 years later we still talk about this non-anonymous gift.

2) Matthew 6:1-4 Hypocrits, possibly Pharisees, want to be recognized by men for giving but God's recognition is enough. So this may be one for the anonymous category.

3) Mark 12:41-43 The widow gave two coins publicly to the Temple but humbly. Since Jesus recognized her and since she is described as a widow then she must have been someone known to them otherwise how might they have known her to be a widow? I will call this a non-anonymous gift. (although a widow may have dressed in a way that identified that fact she still gave her money in public)

4) Luke 10:25-37 The Good Samaritan gave money for the care of a man he may never have met. We are not told whether the injured man regained consciousness or whether they met again later. Anonymous? But the innkeeper knew who paid the money so to him it was a non-anonymous fee.

5) Acts 2:45 The early believers sold personal items and gave to those fellow believers who had need. I assume that they had ways of knowing who really had need and so I would guess that this may fall into the non-anonymous category. In Acts 4:32 -37 the NIV actually says there were no needy persons among them because people with land would sell it and divide the proceeds with other disciples. They didn't look at the possessions as their own so I believe they looked at the posessions as belonging to God as stated in the article on tithing.

I am not sure whether there is one better way to give when choosing between anonymous and non-anonymous. Since you are spending God's money, search the scriptures for an example that relates to the situation you find yourself in. You can seek advice from wise people in your church or maybe even from those you talk to here.

Regards,

livingink

When I have puzzled over Jesus' command to do good deeds in such a way that people glorify God, and I do not get the credit, it has seemed the best way to accomplish this is by channeling the gift through the local church. Didn't they bring the money, Acts 4:35, to the Apostles, who determined where it would go, a task which was soon delegated to the first deacons?

An additional consideration comes to mind. If we decide where to give money and do not give to or through the church (the body of Christ) are we giving it to God? When we decide just where it should go? I think perhaps when we alone determine where the money should go or we designate it for a certain cause or project we are spending the money on what we want.

Just thinking....

Homer,

I'd suggest that you take a look at the article Is Tithing for Christians? in the Topical Articles section. I don't have enough confidence in many "local churches" to give them God's money to spend. As a steward seeking God's direction I believe He will guide me to spend His money wisely. Take a look at Matthew 25:14-30 re: the servants who practiced both good and poor stewardship.

regards,

livingink

Livingink,

That's quite an indictment of "the body of Christ", the church. It can't be trusted! what in the world was Jesus thinking when he established it? There is ample New Testament evidence of the church acting collectively to help the poor.

How are those on the mission field supported, and who knows what they are doing with the money anyway?