Giving to the needy, or offering alms, is a biblical principle that reflects God’s love and generosity. Today, we’ll see how Scripture teaches us to care for others and the blessings of giving.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Accumulating
What Does The Bible Say About Alms
Matthew 6:1-4
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
This verse highlights the importance of humility when giving alms. It cautions us against seeking recognition or praise from others for our acts of generosity. Instead, we are encouraged to give quietly and selflessly, without drawing attention to ourselves. The focus should be on helping those in need and pleasing God rather than seeking earthly rewards or applause. God sees our hearts and motives, and when we give with a sincere and pure heart, He promises to reward us.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of treating our neighbors with kindness and generosity. We are called not only to love our neighbors, but also to extend that love through acts of generosity towards the poor. Loving and caring for those in need is a reflection of our love for God and our obedience to His commandments. When we show kindness and generosity to the poor, we are blessed and experience the joy of making a positive difference in someone else’s life.
Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
This verse highlights the principle that giving is not limited to financial assistance, but also encompasses acts of service and labor. The apostle Paul reminds us that helping the weak and less fortunate is a vital aspect of Christian living. Following the example of Jesus, who taught that it is more blessed to give than to receive, we are called to selflessly serve others and meet their needs with a heart of love and compassion.
Psalm 41:1
“Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him.”
This verse emphasizes the blessings that come to those who have a heart for the poor. When we take the time to consider the needs of the less fortunate and extend a helping hand, we not only bring blessings upon ourselves but also find comfort in knowing that God will be our deliverer in times of trouble. It is a reminder that God is pleased when we demonstrate His love by caring for those who are in need and that He will provide for us in our own times of need.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”
This verse highlights the divine principle that when we are generous to the poor, we are lending to the Lord Himself. It is a reminder that our acts of kindness and generosity towards those in need are not in vain. God takes notice of our actions and promises to repay us for our good deeds. This verse encourages us to have a generous and compassionate heart towards the poor, knowing that our generosity will not go unnoticed or unrewarded by our Heavenly Father.
Luke 14:12-14
“He said also to the man who had invited him, ‘When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.’”
This verse teaches us the importance of showing hospitality and kindness to those who cannot repay us. Jesus challenges the prevailing societal norms by urging us to invite those who are often marginalized and overlooked: the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Our acts of generosity towards those who cannot reciprocate not only bring blessings upon us in this life but also have eternal significance. It is a reminder that our true reward awaits us in the resurrection of the just.
Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
This verse emphasizes that generosity is not only a blessing to the recipient but also to the giver. When we willingly share our resources, including food, with those who are less fortunate, we experience the blessings of God in our own lives. It is a reminder that our Heavenly Father delights in those who have a generous heart and rewards their selflessness accordingly. The act of sharing with the poor reflects the character of God and allows us to participate in His work of providing for and uplifting the needy.
Deuteronomy 15:7-8
“If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need.”
This verse instructs the Israelites, and by extension, us as believers, to have a compassionate and generous attitude towards the poor among us. It challenges us not to be stingy or tightfisted, but rather to be openhanded and willing to lend a helping hand. Our willingness to assist those in need should stem from a heart of compassion and reflect the love and grace of God towards us. It reminds us that we are called to be channels of God’s provision and blessing to those who are less fortunate.
1 Timothy 6:17-19
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
This passage urges the wealthy not to place their confidence in material possessions but to find their hope and security in God alone. The rich are encouraged to use their resources for the benefit of others, being generous, and eager to share. By doing so, they store up heavenly treasures for themselves and lay a strong foundation for eternal life. It reminds us that true fulfillment and purpose are found not in accumulating wealth but in living a life that reflects God’s love and generosity towards others.
Proverbs 28:27
“Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.”
This verse reveals that those who give to the poor will not lack in their own lives. It emphasizes the principle of sowing and reaping, teaching us that when we give generously, we will receive blessings in return. Conversely, the verse warns that ignoring or neglecting the needs of the poor leads to curses. It reminds us that God expects us to be mindful of the vulnerable and that our generosity towards them will be rewarded abundantly.
Proverbs 11:24-25
“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
This verse emphasizes the principle that generosity and selflessness lead to abundance, while selfishness and greed result in poverty. When we give freely and generously, not only do we experience an increase in material blessings, but we also find our souls refreshed and uplifted. It is a reminder that the true path to abundance and fulfillment lies in a posture of generosity, freely sharing our resources and refreshing the lives of those around us.
2 Corinthians 8:9
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”
This verse reminds us of the ultimate act of generosity displayed by Jesus Christ. Though He possessed riches as the Son of God, He willingly became poor and sacrificed everything for our sake. In His poverty, we find true spiritual riches and eternal blessings. This verse encourages us to follow the example of Christ by demonstrating sacrificial generosity towards others, imitating His selflessness and reflecting His love to the world.
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
This verse speaks to the principle of sowing and reaping within the context of giving. It assures us that when we give generously, it will be returned to us in abundance. The measure we use in giving is the measure that will be used in blessing us. It is a reminder that God is faithful to reward those who are faithful in their generosity, pouring out blessings that overflow and exceed our expectations.
Psalm 37:21
“The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.”
This verse contrasts the behavior of the wicked, who may borrow without repaying, with that of the righteous, who give generously. It emphasizes the importance of integrity and honesty when it comes to financial dealings. As believers, we are called not only to give but to do so with a sincere and generous heart. Our generosity reflects the righteousness of Christ in us and sets us apart from those who are motivated by selfishness and greed.
James 1:27
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
This verse provides a practical example of true religion that pleases God. It highlights the importance of caring for the most vulnerable members of society, specifically orphans and widows. As Christians, we are called to extend love and compassion to those in need, showing practical acts of kindness and support. It also emphasizes the need to maintain purity and holiness, guarding ourselves against the corrupting influences of the world.
Proverbs 3:27-28
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you’–when you already have it with you.”
This verse encourages us not to withhold acts of goodness and generosity from those in need if we have the means to help them. It challenges us to be prompt and responsive in meeting the needs of others, rather than postponing or delaying our assistance. It reminds us that God has blessed us with resources and abilities to be a blessing to others, and we should not withhold our help when we have the ability to provide it.
1 John 3:17-18
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
This verse challenges us to demonstrate our love for others not merely with words but with genuine acts of care and compassion. If we have the means to help someone in need, it is a reflection of God’s love in us to extend assistance and support. It emphasizes the importance of having empathy and pity for those who are less fortunate and the need to back up our expressions of love with tangible actions that make a difference in their lives.
Galatians 6:10
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
This verse calls us to seize every opportunity to do good to all people, particularly emphasizing the importance of caring for and supporting fellow believers. It reminds us that our acts of generosity and kindness should extend beyond our immediate circle, reaching out to those beyond our faith community. By doing so, we reflect the heart of God, who desires all people to experience His love and provision through the actions of His followers.
Proverbs 14:31
“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
This verse highlights the connection between our treatment of the poor and our relationship with God. Those who oppress the poor display contempt for their Creator, while those who show kindness and generosity to the needy honor God. It emphasizes that our actions towards the less fortunate have spiritual implications. When we extend compassion and care to those in need, we demonstrate reverence for God and reflect His character to the world.
Proverbs 28:8
“Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.”
This verse warns against unjust practices that exploit the poor for personal gain. It teaches that ill-gotten wealth obtained at the expense of the needy will ultimately benefit others who will be kind to the poor. It reminds us that God is Just and that He will intervene to ensure justice for the oppressed. As followers of Christ, we are called to treat others, especially the poor, with fairness and kindness, rejecting any form of exploitation or injustice.
Isaiah 58:7-10
“Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter–when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.”
This passage emphasizes the kind of fasting and worship that pleases God. It goes beyond outward rituals and calls for genuine acts of compassion and justice towards the less fortunate. God desires His people to share their resources with the hungry, provide shelter for the homeless, and clothe the naked. When we engage in these acts of love, our lives become a reflection of God’s light and glory. It also promises that God will answer our cries for help and bless us abundantly when we stand against oppression and actively meet the needs of the oppressed.