FINANCIAL - ALMS

Scripture Reading - Matthew 6:1-4 KJV

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.

When speaking of the subject of “alms” it includes much more than financial giving. Historically the word “alms” was used with other words to indicate something done for the poor. For example, an “alms-deed” was an act of charity (love) done for someone else. An “alms-house” was used by certain poor people for food and shelter. An “alms-men” was a person accepting support from another. We are speaking of the subject of “alms-giving” which is known as “the bestowment of charity” according to the American Dictionary of The English Language written by Noah Webster, the 1828 edition. “Alms” can be given in many different ways but the key is not exactly what you give but rather how you give. We can see a special emphasis on giving your “alms” privately. In the four verses mentioned above the thought of privacy is mentioned in all four verses. In verse one we learn to never give “alms” for public recognition. This is mentioned to for two key reasons, the first is to not embarrass the receiver and the second is to lower the pride of the giver. Remember, God looks on the heart so our motive must be purely love, not outward recognition. The next verse tells us not to announce the “alms” to others in an attempt to receive praises or outward honor from others. Treat the receiver like a true family member in the Body of Christ. If you firmly believe God gives to you without making an announcement to the rest of world, you should go and do likewise. The next verse even goes deeper with the statement “don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing”. This is God’s attempt to tell His Beloved Children that even those closest to you don’t need to know each time you give an “alm” or do an “alms-deed”. Generally speaking if you need to tell your spouse because it involved some shared resources than do so, but definitely don’t announce this “alms-deed” or financial gift of “alms” to your children or other family members. In verse 4 the Lord is still trying to teach His children to use complete discretion with the words “in secret”. This is God’s way of making it so simple even a little child can understand it because child love hearing secrets since it makes them feel special (privileged). We (ihlcc) can only hope that when you give “alms” you take heed to do it God’s Way which is full of love and in the spirit of meekness because then you shall receive the reward of God’s blessing on your gift and on your life. Let it be given in the privacy of the receiver and in the Name of the Lord Jesus because when you do it God’s Way the Lord receives His due glory and praise from everyone involved. Amen!