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

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

Author: Bob Lotich, Linda Lotich December 27, 2025 Duration: 30:33
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.

What does it look like to manage money well when your faith is the foundation of your life? That’s the central question explored in SeedTime with Bob and Linda Lotich. This isn't just another financial advice show; it's a conversation about integrating biblical principles with the practical realities of budgeting, investing, and building a secure future. Bob and Linda approach finances from a unique perspective, one that challenges conventional wisdom by framing stewardship as a spiritual practice. Their discussions move beyond spreadsheets to consider how financial health directly impacts your marriage, your sense of purpose, and your ability to live generously. Each episode aims to provide actionable steps to simplify your finances, eliminate debt, and cultivate a sense of peace and control over the resources you've been given. The goal is to shift your focus from anxiety about money towards freedom, allowing you to invest your time and energy into what truly matters. If you've ever felt that typical money advice misses the heart of the matter, this podcast offers a different path-one where faith and finances are seamlessly connected. Tune in for honest conversations that blend personal experience with practical strategy, all centered on building a life of purpose and provision.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

SeedTime with Bob and Linda Lotich
Podcast Episodes
The Biblical formula for paying off debt miraculously fast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:06
What if you don't need more money to pay off your debt? What if you just need to see what's already in your house? That's the pattern hiding inside a story in 2 Kings 4. A widow. A dead husband. A creditor at the door. A…
Does Financial Struggle Mean God Is Displeased? (The Honest Answer) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:31
When money is tight, a sneaky thought creeps in. If God was really pleased with me, wouldn't this be easier? I have wrestled with that question myself more times than I can count. So in this episode, Linda and I get hone…
Jesus Warned About Saving Money the Wrong Way [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:37
I used to hate everything about our finances. Then one thing changed and paying bills actually became fun. That thing is margin. Margin is the gap between what you earn and what you spend. It might look small, but that g…
Why You Never Feel Like You Have Enough (and How to Fix It) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:55
Almost nobody actually feels like they have enough. Not really. We chase more money, more space, more results, and the finish line keeps moving. So why does that happen? And how do you actually fix it? In this episode Li…
Why You Can't Stick to a Budget (10 Real Reasons) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:02
If your budget keeps falling apart after two weeks, it's probably not your fault. I used to think I was just bad with money. Then I realized the budget itself was the problem, not me. In this episode, Linda and I walk th…
Should Christians Invest in Evil Companies? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:14
Most of us have no idea what our retirement money is actually funding. A few years ago I started wondering if some of mine was supporting things I would never support on purpose. So in this episode, I answer a question I…
7 Biblical money principles most Christians never hear (but should) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:31
Most Christians have heard the money advice about tithing and getting out of debt. But there are money principles in the Bible almost nobody teaches. And often times they are the ones that change everything for us!!! So…