A biblical definition of alms giving is where we give to the poor in the area of their need in an attitude of mercy, compassion and pity. This giving need not just be money. It is about the heart not the amount. It can be providing goods or shelter.

1 – God always had principles to protect the poor

God has always had laws and principles for the poor. See Exodus 22:25. God does not want the poor to be ripped off. We see ads on TV that do just that. We should not blow our own trumpet like the Pharisees did… Jesus had a reputation for giving to the poor. James rebukes those who talk but don’t give. We need to be in a position where we are self sufficient to help others. A drowning man cannot help others. The person is not to be in debt. It is a gift.

2 – Jesus rebukes the wrong attitude of alms giving

See Matthew 6:1-4 and Luke 11:40-42. These particular religious leaders gave to charity, yet they did not have true charity in their hearts. They did it in public to look good rather than do good. Giving to the needy does not necessarily prove a right relationship with God. The attitude is as important as the action. If alms giving is to show off then don’t do it! It is to be done in complete secrecy. See Matthew 6:3. There is no reward in Heaven for people who do it for show. They are blowing their own trumpet. We don’t need to know what each person is giving away.

3 – Jesus had a reputation of giving alms

See John 13:28-29 and Acts 10:38. Jesus had a reputation for doing good! We are to follow His good example. A few notable examples are:-

• Healing lepers – See Matthew 8:1-3. Jesus showed kindness by being sympathetic to the man’s condition but it didn’t end there! He showed forth goodness by performing a miracle when He said to the man “Be clean!” and the man was cured of his leprosy. The leper had faith and Jesus had the power to heal. He still does.
• Feeding the hungry crowds – See Matthew 14:13-21. We read of several acts of kindness and acts of goodness. He didn’t send the crowds away. He healed the sick. Later in the day Jesus feeds the multitude by miraculously multiplying five loaves of bread and two fish to feed all. The disciples had warned them to go home and feed themselves. It’s important not only to be sympathetic and compassionate to others (acts of kindness) but to follow through by actually helping others (acts of goodness).
• Caring for social outcasts – See John 4:4-30 & 39. Did you count all the acts of kindness that Jesus showed forth to the Samaritan woman? There were a couple of barriers to Jesus even speaking to the woman. Firstly, she was a Samaritan and Jews had no dealing with them and secondly she was a woman. Jewish men did not speak to women in public. Samaritans were considered to be a mongrel breed. Jesus starts off asking for a drink and cuts above the cultural barriers to the higher spiritual issues. He shows kindness is speaking and goodness in showing the way to living water. He is the Messiah and she comes to realise it is true. Jesus knows everything about her sinful life. She becomes a follower.
• He died for our sins on the cross – See Titus 3:3-7. God showed His kindness and His love for mankind by coming to earth, but it doesn’t stop there. The goodness of God is that Christ followed through on His promises by dying on the cross to take our place so that we could be justified and become joint heirs with Christ and have the sure hope of eternal life. Now that is good!

4 – James rebukes Christians who talk but don’t walk

See James 1:1:22-25 and James 2:14-20. We must not confuse merely hearing the Word of God with actually practicing it. It is not talking, but walking, that will bring us to heaven. James calls it self-deception. The purpose of a mirror is self-examination; you can see the flaws, and hopefully fix them. If you look in the mirror and ignore it then that is self-deception. It does nothing to help those in need of alms. Hearing is not the same as obeying. We need to do both.

5 – The early apostles put things in place for the poor

They organised daily food distribution to the poor in Jerusalem. See Acts 4:32-36 and Acts 6:1-4. Help is only provided to those with genuine needs. Poor people who are unwilling to work would not receive help. See 2 Thessalonians 5:10. The priority was to help those whom were fellow Christians. See Galatians 6:10. Some were poor because they had their job or spouse because of the being a Christian. Persecution and martyrdom were rife from both Jews and Romans. They were not only obeying the commandments of Jesus and His apostles. They were also displaying compassion that has always characterised the people of God throughout the Old Testament.

6 – We should be in a financial position to help the poor.

See 2 Corinthians 9:8. We are to be self sufficient. We are to need no aid and support. This is the ideal. This is not always possible due to emergency situations and problems in life. The Bible does not expect us to give everything away and leave our own family in poverty. We might give away those possessions which are surplus to our requirements to help the poor. We give alms to help get people back on their feet and look after themselves.

7 – Jesus says the poor we have always.

Today we have people and organisations trying to solve the problem of poverty in the world. It’s a bit like trying to bring world peace. It’s a noble idea but not practical or Biblical for that matter. See John 12:5-8 and Mark 14:7-9. Jesus says we will always have the poor. No matter what we do. Poverty will never be history. It is often poor circumstance, choices, geography and thinking that cause poverty. The poor are kept poor and the rich get richer. There is a poverty mentality. We need to prime the pump. Help the poor so they can help themselves and not become dependent on handouts.

8 – Alms giving and false responsibility

See 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13. Don’t be a freeloader and don’t give to them! Freeloaders take from those who work and don’t work themselves. The church could not stop the idle from obtaining bread from other sources, so the point is that the church should not subsidise those in their fellowship who refuse to support themselves when they have the means and opportunity. No loaf for the loafer! There is work and there is rest. See Proverbs 24:30-34. Support what is right. See James 1:27. They need nurture and protection. See 2 Kings 4:1- 7. We are to assist and not takeover.

9 – It is a repayable loan in the eyes of God.

See Proverbs 19:17. God pays back his loans. You cannot out give God! The hand that gives is also the hand that gathers. It often repaid amply in this world. See Deuteronomy 16:17-20 & 2 Corinthians 9:6-8. Those who have practiced the grace of giving will tell you God pays wonderful dividends!

10 – Alms will open doors for us.

See Cornelius in Acts 10:31. God notices prayer and alms. Cornelius was a Roman soldier, a centurion over 100 men. Rome paid their commanders well. What Cornelius did, he did in secret, and God rewarded him openly. Cornelius’ reward was that he became the first Gentile upon whom the Holy Ghost fell. Cornelius received the anointing that no Gentile had ever received before. It is thought that believe Cornelius returned to Rome to start a great work for God. See Romans 1:7-8.

11 – Jesus tests someone to give to the poor

See Mark 10:17-30. The possessions where possessing this young man. He didn’t put the scriptures into action by doing things for God. This was about more than giving alms. He was asked not to just give of his excess wealth. He was being asked to share everything he had with the poor. The young man’s possessions had possessed him. Possessions bring responsibilities and the rich young ruler failed to stand up.

Categories: Mark