Almsgiving – The Heart of Compassionate Giving

 “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” – Proverbs 19:17 (KJV)

What Is Almsgiving?

Almsgiving is the act of giving to the poor and needy—whether through money, food, clothing, or help. It is compassion in action, fueled by love and mercy. Unlike the tithe (given to honor God) or the seed offering (given with expectation), alms are given out of compassion, without expecting anything in return from the recipient.

But when we give alms with the right heart, God Himself becomes our rewarder.

The Biblical Foundation

  1. Old Testament Commands
    God’s heart for the poor is clear throughout Scripture:

    • “Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy...” – Deuteronomy 15:11 (KJV)

    • Provision for the poor was built into Israel’s culture (gleaning laws, Jubilee, etc.).

  2. Jesus and Almsgiving

    • Jesus commended almsgiving as a righteous act when done in secret (Matthew 6:1–4).

    • He said, “When thou doest alms,” not if. Almsgiving is a kingdom expectation, not an optional extra.

    • He also told the rich young ruler: “Sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven” (Matthew 19:21).

  3. Early Church Practice

    • The early Christians cared deeply for the poor, selling property to meet needs (Acts 4:34–35).

    • Acts 10:4 records that Cornelius’ prayers and alms “came up for a memorial before God”—showing that God remembers almsgiving.

Why Is Almsgiving Important?

  1. It Reflects God's Character
    God is merciful. When we give to the poor, we reflect His love and extend His kindness.

  2. It Brings Heavenly Reward
    Jesus said, “Give alms... and behold, all things are clean unto you” (Luke 11:41). Almsgiving purifies and blesses. Proverbs 28:27 says, “He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack.”

  3. It Is an Act of Worship
    Giving to the poor honors God. It’s not just social duty—it’s spiritual service.

  4. It Breaks Selfishness
    Almsgiving dethrones greed and self-centeredness. It trains our hearts to see people the way God does.

  5. It Opens the Door to Mercy
    Proverbs 21:13 warns that ignoring the cry of the poor results in unanswered prayer. But those who show mercy, receive mercy (Matthew 5:7).

How to Give Alms

  • Privately and Humbly (Matthew 6:3–4) – Don't seek attention. God sees what is done in secret.

  • With Compassion, Not Condescension – We are all recipients of God’s grace.

  • With Joy, Not Guilt – God loves a cheerful giver, even in acts of charity.

  • To True Needs and Good Soil – Be discerning, generous, and Spirit-led.

Final Thoughts

Almsgiving is not about pity—it’s about honor. When we give to the poor, we lend to the Lord. We reflect the generous heart of God and build eternal treasures.

Don’t give to be seen by men—give to be known by heaven.

A Prayer of Almsgiving – Giving with Compassion and Honor

Abba Father, in the name of Jesus,

I thank You for Your mercy, for You are the God who lifts up the lowly, defends the helpless, and provides for every need. You have been kind and generous toward me, and I recognize that all I have is from Your hand.

Your Word says in Proverbs 19:17 that he who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and You will repay what is given. What an honor to give not just to people, but unto You, Lord. I do not give out of duty or guilt, but out of love and reverence, knowing that each act of compassion is a sweet offering before Your throne.

Today, I choose to open my heart and hand to the poor, the forgotten, the broken, and the needy. As I give, I do so privately and humbly—not for recognition, but because I long to reflect Your character. You are a merciful God, slow to anger and full of compassion. Let me be the same.

I declare:
🕊️ I give with joy, not reluctance.
🕊️ I give with faith, not fear.
🕊️ I give with honor, not pity.

Let every coin, every meal, every garment, every word of kindness be a seed of love that grows into a harvest of hope in someone else's life. May my giving be guided by the Holy Spirit—sensitive, wise, and fruitful.

Father, purify my motives. Break every root of selfishness, pride, and apathy in me. Let my heart burn with Your compassion. Let my life be a vessel through which You pour Your mercy into the lives of others.

I ask that my alms, like Cornelius’, rise as a memorial before You. Use what I offer to comfort the hurting, provide for the hungry, and uplift the downtrodden. Let it echo through eternity as a testimony of Your goodness.

I trust that as I give, I will not lack—for he who gives to the poor shall not want. But even more than provision, I ask for a heart that beats with Your love, and eyes that see as You see.

In Jesus Almighty name, Amen.


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