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“Hidden Acts of Love” brings us face to face with one of the sharpest teachings of Jesus on the inner life: our *motives*. Not what we do, but *why* we do it.
Let us look at what the Word of God says. The central scripture is:
> “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.
> If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
> — *Matthew 6:1 (NIV)*
This statement governs everything that follows in Matthew 6—giving, praying, fasting—and it is the backbone of these lyrics. Jesus is not attacking good works. He is exposing religious showmanship and calling us to a hidden life before the Father.
In this passage, Jesus reveals:
The song echoes this warning and invitation: to live for the Father’s eyes, not the crowd’s approval; to store treasure in heaven, not in human opinion; to build a hidden life of love that the Father sees and will one day openly reward.
Matthew 6 is part of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7). Jesus is teaching His disciples what it means to live under the rule of the kingdom of heaven. This is not a general moral talk. It is covenant instruction for those who call God “Father.”
In Matthew 5, Jesus has already gone beyond outward observance of the Law to the inward issues of anger, lust, truthfulness, love of enemies. Then in Matthew 6 He turns from inner attitudes to *religious practices*—three key expressions of Jewish piety:
1. Giving to the poor (almsgiving) – Matthew 6:2–4
2. Prayer – Matthew 6:5–15
3. Fasting – Matthew 6:16–18
In Jesus’ day, these three were central marks of a devout Jew. No one questioned *whether* a righteous person should do them. The only question was *how* and *why*.
The problem Jesus addresses is that the religious leaders—especially many Pharisees—had turned these holy practices into a public display. They were not seeking God; they were seeking *reputation*.
Jesus calls such people “hypocrites” (Greek: *hypokritēs*), a word used for *actors* in a theater. They were performing religion on a stage, not relating to God as Father.
Now see how the passages line up with the lyrics:
The song faithfully follows this pattern: giving, praying, and all hidden acts of love, done for the Father’s eyes alone.
We must place ourselves in the disciple’s sandals: surrounded by religious leaders who seemed very holy, very public, very admired. Jesus cuts across all that and says: “If you live for their applause, you lose the Father’s reward.”
### 1) “Practice your righteousness” – *dikaiosynē* (δικαιοσύνη)
In Matthew 6:1, the phrase “practice your righteousness” uses the Greek word *dikaiosynē*, usually translated “righteousness.”
*dikaiosynē* means:
Earlier in Matthew 5:20 Jesus said:
> “For I tell you that unless your righteousness (*dikaiosynē*)
> surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law,
> you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
So when the song echoes: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them,” it is dealing with more than just good behaviour. It is dealing with the outward *expression* of our standing with God.
The nuance: *dikaiosynē* is meant to be God-centered. It becomes corrupted when it becomes man-centered, applause-centered. The same outward act—giving, praying, serving—can be either true righteousness or religious acting, depending on the motive.
### 2) “Reward” – *misthos* (μισθός)
In each of these verses, we find the word “reward” – Greek *misthos*.
*misthos* means:
Jesus says repeatedly:
The picture is very clear:
The lyrics capture this: “They’ve already received their full reward… No treasure waiting for you in heaven… Your Father who sees everything you do will reward you openly one glorious day.”
Understanding *misthos* sharpens the warning: when we do our “righteousness” for show, we are literally *choosing to be paid by men instead of by God.* That is a disastrous exchange.
### A. “Be careful not to show off your good deeds…”
> “Be careful not to show off your good deeds
> In front of others just to be seen and praised
> If you do, that’s all the reward you’ll get
> No treasure waiting for you in heaven
> Your Father sees what’s done in secret
> He’s watching every quiet act of love”
This restates Matthew 6:1 and includes the idea of heavenly treasure (compare Matthew 6:19–21).
Two key principles:
1. Motives determine reward.
The phrase “just to be seen and praised” parallels Jesus’ words “to be seen by them.” The Greek phrase is *pros to theathēnai autois* — “with a view to being gazed at by them.” It is deliberate. You do what you do in order to be observed, recognized, admired.
That motive cancels heaven’s reward. The action may benefit others. It may look pious. But its spiritual value before God is stripped away.
2. God sees what is hidden.
“Your Father sees what’s done in secret… He’s watching every quiet act of love.” This echoes Matthew 6:4, 6, 18.
This is both warning and comfort:
Hebrews 4:13 confirms:
> “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.
> Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him
> to whom we must give account.”
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