Is wanting recognition for doing good a sin?

[EphelDuath]

Of course, not receiving a “thank you” for your good deeds is proof that your interests are pure.

But, is it bad to want a “thank you?” Is it bad to be want to be known as a saint after death? Or is altruism only pure when it’s without glory?

 

[pyropam]

Of course, not receiving a “thank you” for your good deeds is proof that your interests are pure.

But, is it bad to want a “thank you?” Is it bad to be want to be known as a saint after death? Or is altruism only pure when it’s without glory?

Good deeds are not meant to always be anonamous. When others can see us doing good deeds, they often want to be a part of some good deeds themselves.

We should all strive to be a saint! We all need a “thank you” from time to time. We shouldn’t get too worked up when we don’t get one.

Simple story: I would leave groceries on a neighbors porch from time to time, not wanting her to know where the groceries came from. She was a single mom with two little children. They struggled throughout the winter that year. I even paid a few of her bills anonamously (gas & power). Summer in the south is worse than winter… You can’t exactly leave groceries laying on the porch in the summer…they spoiled. I had to hand them to her.

She wouldn’t stop thanking me, which made me feel very uncomfortable. I didn’t do it for the praise. I did it from the heart.

 

[SeekerJen]

I think if you’re doing the good deeds only for the recognition, then yes, it is a sin of pride.

Otherwise, it is nice to at least get a thank you if the recipient is able. Of course this doesn’t always happen, and we shouldn’t stop doing the good deeds.

 

[CarrieH]

Jesus said it best:

Matthew 6:1 - 4

“(But) take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.”

 

[Jaypeeto4]

In other words,
do not do your good deeds for the PURPOSE
of wanting to be adored by your neighbors as such
a great guy. Don’t WANT to be known as being
“all that and a bag of chips.”

Do your good deeds from a pure heart,
and if people thank you, graciously say “you are more than welcome,” but don’t do like some billionaires do, for whom
$50,000 is pocket change, and stage a PRESS CONFERENCE
to be shown giving a $50,000 check to a diabetes charity.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHH, isn’t that rock star NICE???
He gave $50,000 for a charity !!!
Well yes, but compared to his resources, he gave less percentage-wise
than the poor woman who put only two little copper coins into the Temple treasuty, and Jesus praised her to the hilt for it.

God bless,
Jaypeeto4
+JMJ+