ALMS

The subject of alms typically suggest a good deed done for someone who is in need.

Alms - plural noun

Money or goods given to the poor in charity.

(The Second College Edition - The American Heritage Dictionary copyright 1982, 1985 by Houghton Mifflin Company)

Generally this definition is acceptable, however in Christianity we have expanded this definition to include those that are not poor also. The generally more applicable definition used in our circles would include a statement like, "Goods, services or money given to someone in need". Most people have been in need of something at a particular time in their life that they were planning on purchasing one day in the future. It is amazing when that particular need shows up in your hands by an unexpected source. This good deed done for you could very easily be considered an alms deed, or the giving of alms. We all agree that the poor will receive this type of deed more than the average person but this type of gift is not limited to the poor. For example when Angela and I bought (mortgaged) our first house we received an alms of a new mover and a washer / dryer set. These gifts were not expected by us they came from our family and all those gifts were blessing to us for several years. We were not poor but we were in need of a mower, washer and dryer, these gifts caused us to give much thanksgiving to God. The reason we are clarifying exactly what classifies as alms is so that you will realize that many people are giving and receiving alms periodically all throughout their life. In general if the giving is for an individual or family it is alms. Tithing is to the church for the minister or the Temple of God specifically for the priest and Levites. An offering is generally for special projects, collection for a organization, collection for a minister/ministry or a collection for a church. Alms typically should be used to directly impact a person or a family of people. Giving to the poor on a more personal level should give us a platform to encourage them in the things of God. If the person is only experiencing a tough time in a temporary situation we can encourage them that God will see them through. Our approach to the giving of alms is the same approach we believe in for the giving of offerings. Our, Eric and Angela, suggested approach is you should be giving from your extra. A major difference between an offering and alms is that the offering is a gift unto God whereas the giving of alms is a gift unto man. The good news for the liberal soul is that God will bless you for helping the less fortunate. The Lord will honor your gift unto man because it shows love and secondly it is inline with God's Word according to Proverbs 19:17

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. KJV

The Lord has compassion on the poor. To not have enough money to supply your own needs or the needs of your family is a curse and the Lord knows how depressing it can be. Our Loving Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus does not want to see anyone in this position but we all know even though it is not His Will, it still exist in the world today. Situations and circumstances can cause good people to be poor and for that reason the Lord desires to help those less fortunate individuals through the giving of alms. Notice Psalm 112:9

He (a good man) hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour. KJV

Giving to the poor, or less fortunate, does not always have to include money as we stated early it could be as simple as supplying a need. We notice in Proverbs 22:9 that the giving of food is considered helping the poor, thus it is alms.

He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor. KJV

The following three references were taken from the Old Testament and there are plenty more. Our purpose was to present three witnesses from the Old Testament to establish the fact that the giving of alms was according to God's Will in the past. We can see even in the first book of the Holy Bible that giving to the poor was considered a godly trait and a noble deed.

Job 29:14-16
14 I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem.
15 I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.
16 I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out. KJV

Many Christians have heard of the sufferings of Job, but the last chapter of Job shows us that God desired to restore Job through His blessings and the giving of alms. Notice Job 42:10-11

10 And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
11 Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold. KJV

This confirms the fact that our Gracious Heavenly Father ordained the purpose for alms as a way to help those in need. We should notice also that alms are not solely intended for a specific kind of person but can be given at the discretion of the giver. We have seen in more than three references from the Old Testament that people gave alms throughout the ages, therefore it is an established truth according to 2 Corinthians 13:1.

This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. KJV

Now we will see if this truth was still encouraged in the ministry of Jesus, according to Matthew 6:1-4 it was:

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.
2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. KJV

Many of you will recognize these verses as the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Lord clearly instructs His disciples on how to give alms, thus He still believes in the practice of alms giving. In verse 1 Jesus tells us, “Do not give alms to someone for selfish purposes”. We should not give someone help in the presence of others because it will make us look good. Jesus always knows your heart (your motive) and if the motive is improper you (the giver) will receive no reward (return or spiritual gratuity) from God. Notice the Lord did not say anything about the receiver because the receiver will gain some natural benefit, but if the receiver is embarrassed is it worth it. As a principle the Lord desires for things to be done His Way to ensure the right spirit (heart) of compassion in demonstrated while we are doing good deeds in His Name. This will bring glory to God rather than the praises of men. In verse 2 this same message is repeated with some more specific details. The Lord points out the heart of the hypocrite that desires the praises (special attention) of people. When the giver is giving a gift to be seen by others as a good gracious person they will most likely receive a compliment from another person and that specific compliment for that specific alms is their reward. The Lord does not want to call attention to the financial situation of another, especially if they are in lack. If a person is lacking in any area of their life it is a humbling experience. Enduring the humility of being inefficient in yourself to meet the basic provision in your life (or your families life) is already a tough challenge and discouraging. If someone draws public attention to this current deficit of money for their own personal gain they are ungodly. To point out someone publicly by showing others that this person needs my help and I am successful enough to do is degrading. Therefore, try as much as you can to give them something privately, so others don't even know what happened. In verse 3 Jesus puts it this way, "Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing". This is simply stating to use discretion when making a point to walk in love. Walking is love when giving your alms is considering the receiver first. If you know you can be private then by all means give the alms privately, however, if the only way to give the alms is publicly, then give it publicly with quietness, calmness and peace. If you do that the Lord will do His part stated in verse 4 which is to reward you for the giving of alms. In the Gospel of Luke another account of Jesus speaking on the subject of alms is recorded. This was spoken to a devout group of disciple, known as the Apostles of the Lamb. In the next example we see Jesus teaching His Apostles how to prepare for full-time ministry.

Luke 12:31-34
31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. KJV

We can see from verse 33 that the giving of alms was a specific instruction to His disciples by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. The Lord knows that for some people they are not open to hear the good news of Jesus Christ by the preaching and teaching of God’s Word alone because of their present circumstances. However, if we can give them a little physical food to satisfy their natural hunger we are in a better position to satisfy their spiritual hunger with the good word of God (the bread of life). The hand out itself will only help them for a short time, but a word of comfort, edification or exhortation may last them a lifetime. People may need a handout to get their attention but when we have their attention all things are possible with God. We see this demonstrated in the ministry of Peter and John as they went into the temple of God at Jerusalem

Acts 3:1-8
1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;
3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.
4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.
5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ancle bones received strength.
8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. KJV

Alms alone are not spiritually helpful but using things of natural value to open spiritual doors of healing and restoration is very spiritual. This is why government programs without the Gospel of Jesus Christ will not work to permanently correct the problem. Jesus said you shall know the truth and that truth you know will make you free.-John 8:32 This is the reason we purpose in heart to teach people the truth, the only truth on the earth is God's Word contained in the pages of the Holy Bible. Since we touched on the subject of people asking for alms (in the previous verses) it is only fitting to mention that we (Eric and Angela) do not believe in giving to just anyone who ask for help. In today’s society many people in the world prefer to hold up signs asking for money (begging) or simply con people out of their money by lying to them. Many beggars on the street feel that society owes them a hand out because their life was tough. These various types of attitudes toward alms are very dishonorable and ungodly. These very schemes are the reason we encourage people to only give alms to those people they know personally, or the church has presented the need of a specific person, a couple or a family as a creditable witness. Notice, with us, in the context of the verses just read in Acts 3:1-8 that the man who was asking alms was lame. If a person is handicapped the aliment alone can prohibit them from making a fair wage. Thus, in days of old they were allowed to beg for income. It only makes compassionate sense that if we (as decent hearted people) see someone less fortunate we feel led to give them alms. However, Satan has perverted this act of kindness into a scheme to make money for people who are not handicapped at all. I have given money to some people who were con artist several times only to find out later that they work that part of town. The scripture clearly states in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-14 that if any do not work they should not eat.

10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. KJV

These verses are written to Christians, we could say this is written to people who are well able to work but choose not to. The whole Kingdom of God operates off of the exchange principle. Giving and receiving must be a two way street for God's Will to be done. The Lord gives us love and when we receive His Love and respond likewise to others so God's Will is performed. People who desire to live off the earnings of others and give them nothing back in return discust me. This is true with ministry, hopefully, you only support ministers who are doing good works or providing you good information from God's Word, if they are not you should not support them. We are not biblically encouraged to help people who can help themselves, but we are given permission by God to help those who can not help themselves. Angela and I were raised not to beg for money and I thank God we both had godly parents who believed right and taught us the right ways of God. One reason I have stopped giving handouts to strangers is because the majority of beggars are not living according to God's Word, if they were the Lord has promised to meet their need. If you are not living right, giving you all the finances in the world won't fix your spiritual problem. We will not be legal about this issue because I know there are some people who beg and they are being honest about their present dilemma. There will always be cases where the person is suffering some bad circumstances but even in those cases the choice is yours and it should be done by compassion, and not from need. Most people asking for money have their own personal interest in mind and since this attitude is so prevalent in society today we cautiously advise people to only give to those they know personally or those that are known through the church. If you know the person you are giving to you should have some influence on sharing the spiritual side of God's love found inside of His Word with them also. Jesus told us in Mark 14:6-7 that it is up to us when and what we do for the poor.

6 And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.
7 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. KJV

Verse 7 makes it clear that the Lord does not take the responsibility of telling you how much or when to give. Jesus said when ever you will you may do them good. This means when it comes to giving alms the choice is ours for the amount and the decision is ours if we should do anything at a specific time. Helping the poor is a good thing in the eyes of God, but helping the poor at the expense of having your own family do without provision is bad. Satan loves to pervert God’s plan by mingling good intentions with religious works to produce bondage. Jesus told us His yoke is easy and His burden is light this remains true it we stay will the principles of the Holy Bible. So first ask yourself the question, “Do I have some extra money?”. If yes, proceed to the next question, “Do I know the person, is the person sincerely one of God’s saints who genuinely needs help?” If yes, proceed to the next question, “Are they open to hear about the goodness of God?” If yes, proceed to the next question, “Do I love them?” If yes, proceed to the next question, “Can I give them the money, food, material benefit or service privately?” If yes, proceed to do it in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ by the love of the Father God.

Colossians 3:23-24
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. KJV

We were told by King David that the righteous should not, I repeat, should not be out in public begging.

Psalm 37:23-25
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. KJV

It is not a good ideal to just give money to anyone. It is a good ideal to glorify God in all you do. If one of the saints that you know is experiencing a very difficult time and you decide to give them some help financially, or materially, or provide food for them how could they not give God thanks, knowing that you are one of His Children. If they don't know that you are Christian, what a wonderful time to share God's Grace and Love to encourage them in their time of distress. We, as Christians, should purpose to have extra just for the reason of helping our fellow brethren when we can. People should not go out looking for hand outs they should always trust God to meet their need and do whatever is necessary with the works of their hands to ensure they are doing all they can in the natural to meet their own need. Spiritually those in need, as believers, should walk by faith and praise God for the victory. The word of God tells us in Ephesians 6:10 and 13 to be strong in Lord and in the power of His mighty and having done all to stand; stand therefore.

This is how we glorify God in our spirit, soul and body.

Doing these things consistently will put you in a position of having extra money to be able to help others. We see this in the life of Cornelius in Acts 10:1-4

1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. KJV

Notice in verse 1 that Cornelius was a centurion, generally this is a man over a large number of Roman soldiers in the army. The Holy Bible tells us that promotion comes from the Lord in Psalm 75:6,7 so we can conclude that our gracious Lord helped Cornelius obtain this position. Is there a reason for God helping this non-Jew? The answer is, “Yes”. The first reason is that God loves everyone because God is Love. Another reason is found in verse 2 by the statement that, Cornelius gave much (more than average) alms to the people, and prayed to God always. Cornelius was a blessing to people in need. When one is a blessing to other people it is for God's benefit to increase their flow of income because the more the giver has in their possession the more they can give out of that possession. This is consistent with what we read earlier in 2 Corinthians 9:8-12 when God said I will give seed to the sower and increase the fruits of your righteousness that you having all sufficiency may abound to every good work. We must also mention that verse 2 points out that Cornelius prayed to God continuously (always). Any person of consistent prayer is typically obedient to do what the Lord ask them to do. This means that since the Word of God tells them to tithe they do, and because God’s word encourages them to give in offerings they do when they can. The word of God exhorts all people to give alms when they have extra so they do that also. Those that give alms are not doing it because they have to but rather due to a soft heart and adequate provision. Many givers of alms simply have a heart to give to others. Talking (praying) to God about how to handle your money is a good ideal, we believe the Lord Jesus is the wisest investor in the world. He is also the best money manager if you follow His principles taught in the Holy Bible. We recommend staying with the Word of God first and foremost, after you have become a mature doer of the Word of God, then be open to the voice (or promptings) of your own spirit but keep your giving totally submitted to the principles of God’s Word. However, when it comes to alms you should be confident about your decision to give and you must decide how much of your substance you desire to give. Remember the choice is yours not Gods, so choose wisely. We must mention too, that if you are giving as a family be sure that both you and your spouse are in agreement on the timing and amount. Choose love over money every time, it is not prudent to let the ambitious giving of a mate cause your partner in marriage to stumble or be offended because of money. Don’t let your knowledge of giving be a problem in your marriage, love considers the other person first. There are a lot of different situations which people argue over money please do not let this topic of alms ever turn into an argument. Remember we have a choice and we are commanded by God to seek peace according to 1 Peter 3:8-12

8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. KJV

Now back to Acts 10:1-4 notice in verse 4 we can understand that the good deeds shown toward those who are less fortunate are held in high remembrance by God. When God thinks of those people in need He also thinks of those who helped them overcome their personal challenges. The practice of giving alms to people was deeply entrenched in the religion of Israel because God ordained it. Notice Acts 24:16-17

16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. KJV

In the King James Version the word nation is used but that is not consistent with our teaching earlier which stated that alms are for people. Alms are not for society as a whole but rather to individuals who are in need. We will look at this verse in the New International Version for a slightly different reading.

Acts 24:16-17
16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
17 "After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. NIV

A little bit more detail is given in the description of what Paul is explained. Paul was purposing to give gifts (money, food, clothing, etc...) to the poor. Not the poor all over the world but specifically those people in his nation, we could say his people. This reemphasizes the point we made earlier about giving to those you know. Paul said he chose to help his people, we can also choose to help our people which could be a natural family member or a church family member. Whatever choice you make know that you are only representing one of God's children so don't ever feel like you must do it all. Each person in the Body of Christ must do their part for the Body of Christ to function properly. We are one large Body of Christians with millions of members so remember God only expects each member to do their small part to help His Large Plan to be consummated. The Lord has already purposed for the rich to give more alms because that would bring balance. Sometimes the rich hold up their end of God's Will to give more but there are also sometimes when they do not and for that reason specifically needs can go unmet. We see an example of this in Mark 10:17-22

17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. KJV

Many people remember this story as the Rich Young Ruler who walked away from Christ Jesus. While that is true we will focus on the commandment given by Jesus to give to the poor in verse 21. What many teachers of God’s Word don’t point out is that this man also walked away from the poor and all those who he would have impacted during his ministry. When the Lord reminds us to do something already mentioned in His Holy Word it is because we have neglected it. The very fact that Jesus had to purposefully tell the rich man to give to the poor clearly indicates that giving to the poor was not one of his top priority. It is very easy to concentrate so much on obtaining money that you forget about the purpose of money. For this man giving to the poor was part of the reason he had so much. The Good Lord graces people with certain talents and gifts, to fulfill one part of your gift to gather efficiently is great but you also must be able to fulfill the other part of that same gift of giving to others to complete God's Will. For example, if one person is working all day to receive a check, the working together with the receiving of a paycheck is the big picture. To have someone work all day and not give them their due at the end of the day is not right. This is true with the assets of God, if the Lord Jesus gives you control over a lot of assets you must do your part of distributing a portion of those same assets to those who are less fortunate. Has not God created the rich and poor to live together in harmony? If the rich are willing to share and the poor are willing to work faithfully Angela and I are certain the two could have a harmonious relationship. This, my friend, is God's picture of peace the only problem is this is not the picture we always see here on the earth. Notice in this next example we see the divine will of God being fulfilled to bring proper balance with the rich and the poor. It is certain that if the rich are willing to give, the poor is typically ready to receive.

Luke 19:8-10
8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. KJV

This story reminds us of the awesome grace of God. We can draw from this story that we can be very well developed in sin and still it is never too late to make a complete turn around in Christ Jesus. Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector, this means again that God had promoted him to a position of honor. However, Zacchaeus also was a graduate of the College of Worldliness. He was trained on how to cheat people and how to justify it to keep a clear conscious. It takes years for people to graduate from this type of college but given enough time and corruption many do. Remember we stated earlier that if you are promoted by God and obtain greater resources the Lord expect a portion of those resources to be circulated back into the lives of the poor. This is truth, however Zacchaeus was not doing this because he belonged to the Alumni of sinners and they typically don't practice the Ways of God as a lifestyle. The good news is that no matter what your profession or what your current position (sinner or saint) the Lord is willing to meet you right where you are. Notice in verse 8 that due to the presence of Jesus Zacchaeus had a change in heart. As soon as his heart was changed from worldliness to godliness he desired to do right. How did Zacchaeus show (demonstrate) this new heart change by giving the half of his goods to the poor. Instead of distributing those goods over months and years he had been storing them up, now God's Will was finally been performed after much delay, we all know that later is still better than never. We must state that Zacchaeus said, “the half of his goods”, this indicates that he did not even need half of his goods he just stored up them because he was selfish. When Christ came into his life selfishness diminished and compassion for others overflowed to the people in need. Thank our Heavenly Father for Jesus Christ and His unfailing Love. Since we are on the subject of Love let us mention that without God's Love abounding from us we should not give to anyone. Remember 1 Corinthians 13:3

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. NKJV

This is consistent with the whole message of Jesus. The message we are sharing with the world today is the message of God's Love. People need to sense that you genuinely love them for them to properly receive from you. Our Heavenly Father loves everyone equally and it is because God's Love abounded upon us that we can tell the world that His promises are true. We as children of God must purpose to present the love of God to people in a tangible way. One of those ways is with the giving of alms. Giving alms without God’s love is the picture I get of receiving money at the unemployment office. I have been there before and it is not a happy place. Some of the people receiving the money were embarrassed while others thought it is not enough money. The some of the people giving out the money thought why should we have to work and you get a free handle out. Unemployment benefits are a good deed for many people and initially it was probably setup with the right motive but if the Spirit of Love is not present God can not be glorified. When good works take place involving people but lacking God’s Love His perfect will is not brought to fruition. We must help people for the right reason and with the right heart. The right reason is found in God’s Word and the right heart is found in God’s Love. We give alms as an example of God's Love but God's Word will also speak about what else is necessary to change your circumstances in life. The Lord desires for all His children to have their needs met and He requires them to honor His Word. Jesus is the Way, and the Truth and Life we must be willing to come into close fellowship with Him to obtain this knowledge. Anything that is done on this earth void of love is done without God. Yes, a lot of programs involve good deeds but yet they are still ungodly because God's Love is not present. This is true even for the preacher, one could study the scriptures daily and be an expert at quoting chapter and verse but without the presence of God's Love in your message you are not preaching the Gospel of Jesus. Remember John 5:39-42 when Jesus addressed a group of unbelieving Jews.

39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
41 I receive not honour from men.
42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. KJV

Many think that understanding God's Word will get them farther with God but understanding God's Love and operating in this Love is the best way to influence people. Knowing this truth will help those you are associated with because your influence will be backed by God Himself, thus producing very good results. We endorse reading and studying God’s Holy Word but while knowledge can help you intellectually if you don't minister that knowledge in love your words will have no power. Thus, producing no results or the wrong results of pride or insensitivity to the listener.

John 13:34-35
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. KJV

This is the reason we are stressing to only give from a heart of love and if you don't love the person who you are considering giving to then you have three options. One option is to develop a love for them through prayer and meditation upon God's Holy Word. Another option would be to get saved so that you would have a genuine God given love for everyone. Or perhaps you should not give to that particular person simply because you really don't have a heart for them. The Lord requires for our heart to be in our giving according to 2 Corinthians 9:6-12

6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; KJV

We can see from verse 7 that purpose of heart is important to God, so much so that the Lord is expecting you to be happy about what you are doing. If you love the person you are giving to a cheerful heart will be present because we like (desire, delight) to help those whom we love. Generally, these verses are used in connection with offerings and we agree that they should be, but we can see from verse 9 that we can also apply them to alms. Giving to the poor is still a righteous act according to verse 9 that supplies the lack for some of God's People, so that when they receive it they give many return thanks back to God. When this process is done the right way God is glorified in the beginning by giving extra to people who have a heart to give. God is glorified during by filling our hearts with joy during the transfer of the blessing and God is glorified at the end by everyone involved giving thanks to God because He is Good and His mercy endures forever. We will also look at this principle in another very common verse of scripture that speaks of giving to people in Luke 6:35-38

35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. KJV

Many people like to claim verse 38 but neglect to practice the previous verses mention earlier especially verse 35. We are supposed to love first and foremost. Right after the Lord Jesus tells us to love He then proceeds to explain to us exactly what He means. This shows us that love is demonstrated by giving to others. Yes, giving them way more than money, giving them the spiritual fruit that God gave to us first. Like being merciful to people, judging no one, condemning no one and forgiving people who have offended us. In verse 35 the word lend is used but a better word would be give. For if you are lending that word alone implies a return, to use the word with hoping for nothing (no return) is the exact definition we are using for alms, also known as charity. Being charitable toward people is the same thing as giving love to people. This is our nature as disciples of Christ and children of God He loved us first and because we are loved genuinely we can perform these acts sincerely. We give from our extra with cheerfulness. We show mercy consistently. We refrain from judgmental remarks and ungodly attitudes toward people. We condemn no one because we understand that we were condemned to death and Jesus saved us anyway. We forgive people simply because we are the forgiven. We give to those less fortunate knowing that men motivated by love will give back unto us because we love God and obey His commandments. The teachings of Jesus are timeless and irrefutable we also add to His Words the words of our founding fathers (the Apostles) to have total confidence in the practice of alms giving. Notice Galatians 2:9-10

9 James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me (Paul) and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews. 10 All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. NIV

Notice the latter part of verse 10 where the Apostle Paul states that he was eager to remember the poor, this was a statement reflecting Paul's heart that giving to the poor was godly and right. Not only did Paul think this way but also Peter, James and John all shared this persuasion. Therefore as Children of God, and servants of the Lord Jesus Christ we should share in this affinity of giving to the poor also. For one it is an act of love, and secondly it is a part of God's Will and thirdly because we have the extra to do it. Remember it is the truth you know that sets (makes) you free, so doing this truth will set you and the recipient free together, both spiritual and naturally at the same time in Jesus Name. Amen!

In His Love, Eric & Angela Foster

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