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In the Holy Gospel of St. Matthew chapter 6, the Holy Bible says that when we give to the needy or do a good deed, we should not let our left hand know what the right hand is doing. What exactly does this mean?

In the sixth chapter of the Holy Gospel of St. Matthew the Lord Jesus Christ calls us to practice three basic aspects of spiritual discipline (charitable giving, prayer, and fasting). Your question regarding charitable deeds can be found within verse 3 and 4. "But when you do a charitable deed do not let your left hand know what your right is doing." and "that your charitable deed may be in secret and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly."

We are specifically told that God is not impressed with what others think of our giving nor is He impressed with our opinion of ourselves. Through our giving and our deeds He sees who we really are and He knows our motives as well. Each and every act of giving will be judged based on the motive or more simply what is in our hearts. Our good deeds judged worthy will be rewarded openly.

The conclusion to the Holy Gospel of St. Matthew chapter six instructs us in trusting the Lord wholly. If you will study the chapter in its entirety you will discover that even the material things that God gives us to fulfill our  needs, are to be used according to God’s will and purpose.