Should we let others see our good works?

Question

This question is for people of all faiths or none at all. I am having trouble determining what the biblical position is though, and I would also appreciate an answer from a Christian on the biblical perspective.

Biblical quotes that support letting your good works be seen by others.
Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works.

1 Peter 2:12
Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that ... they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Bible verses that support doing good works annonomously

Matthew 6:1
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 23:3, 5
Do not ye after their works ... all their works they do for to be seen of men.
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All answers are welcome, and I would also like to know if you base it on a personal or religious view.

This question was prompted by another question in this forum.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Am0yPWjhQCJU9rdiOnJdA1Psy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20070910081330AApyNbT&show=7#profile-info-wi2GtXWJaa

The asker asked us what our last random act of kindness was. Another person responded that telling someone about the act degrades it.

I have heard arguments on BOTH sides of this, with arguments both pro and con, coming from all across the religious spectrum.

Thanks everyone (so far) for you answers, but I am asking about "good works" such as giving to charity, doing volunteer work, helping someone in need. I am not talking about witnessing. Most of the answers seem to be in regard to how to spread the gospel.

Moires fate:

you said *


"lol... so... you want to brag about what you did because you want to be praised for it."

I said no such thing, I merely have observed over a life time, that there are two very different views about doing good works. One view is that you should set a good example, by letting others see you doing good. Another view is that you should do all your good works annomously so you don't come across as boasting. I was simply asking a question. If the question "offends" you, why not simply skip it, no need to insult me over something I did NOT say.

Answer 1

There is a difference between bragging and sharing. The things that you do...are they for yourself or for Him? If you do things for Him then there are no hurt feelings if you don't get recognition. In the beginning of life there is total self-focus for the sake of survival. Then your parents and society teach you to share so you do it for them...for approval. True sharing is when you do it for God and the spiritual welfare of the other person. If you get no thanks but the person finds God because of what you do then rejoice. What is done in secret will be rewarded openly. God bless you Mmm

Answer 2

The answer is; God works through us and those acts of faith are counted as righteousness. Since God is the one who does the righteousness through us, if people can see them then there is no offense as far as God is concerned.

Now Matthew 5 has to do with giving. Don't give for men's praise, and also Matthew 23 is about those who do things, which are supposed to be for God, so that people will take notice of you. The intent is different. It's really that simple.

Answer 3

In my opinion, if you do "good works", or live a life that is based on compassion, generosity, respect, and humility, then religion doesn't much matter. If a person has to announce every little thing they do to help someone else, then it seems they're not actually concerned with someone elses situation or feelings, but with making themselves look good.
Experience has shown me that actions and overall attitude speak far more clearly than the loudest words ever will.

Answer 4

Remember that Jesus told his followers to pray in secret ... which is another way of saying "don't make a spectacle of yourself."

Spreading the word of God was never supposed to mean making a public spectacle of your beliefs, or a nuisance of yourself. If you're doing good works, fine, do them. Make the world a better place. But don't do those good works because you want to show off your religion or get brownie points from someone. That's just obnoxious and self-serving. You should want to do good for its own sake, not because you want to be patted on the back for it.

My $0.02, from someone who was raised Christian and left.

Answer 5

The works that I do are done to edify others and Glorify God and as such are acceptable to be done before man.
Those that do their works in an endeavor to impress upon others how holy they are are wrong.

Answer 6

The biblical point behind all the nonsense is to do good things and to not hide them but also do not hold them out on a hinge of pride. You good works will shine on their be not ashamed but also do not boast.

Answer 7

lol... so... you want to brag about what you did because you want to be praised for it.

You know, a truly good person is good without expecting anything in return, not even a pat on the back. A truly good person does things just to be a good person and help others. You might like to consider that.

Answer 8

here's my take:

for showing works, i believe that means the way you carry yourself. live life with a christ-like attitude towards people, so they know you care.

as far as doing them in secret- any time you fast, or tithe, or if you make a sacrafice to help someone, dont worry about not being seen. something like that doesnt need to be broadcasted.

my .02

Answer 9

Showing good works does NOTHING to help the Gospel if the words of the Gospel aren't opely spoken (faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. How can they believe if they don't hear the words? They can't, no matter how abundant your works are)

Answer 10

It's a magical word called humility. By default, go with the that one.