Alms

Alms refer to charitable gifts given to the poor and needy, a practice deeply rooted in biblical tradition. The concept of almsgiving is prevalent throughout both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing compassion and justice as central to the life of faith. In the Old Testament, the Law of Moses includes provisions for the poor, such as leaving the gleanings of the harvest for them (Leviticus 19:9-10: "When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the foreign resident. I am the LORD your God.").

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about the importance of almsgiving as an expression of righteousness. In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructs, "So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward" (Matthew 6:2). This teaching underscores the importance of sincerity and humility in giving, contrasting it with the hypocritical practices of the Pharisees.

The early church continued this tradition of caring for the poor, as seen in Acts 2:44-45 : "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." Almsgiving was not only a personal act of charity but also a communal responsibility, reflecting the unity and love within the body of Christ.

Offerings

Offerings in the Bible encompass a wide range of gifts presented to God, including sacrifices, tithes, and freewill offerings. These acts of worship and devotion are integral to the covenant relationship between God and His people. In the Old Testament, offerings were central to the sacrificial system established in the Law of Moses. Leviticus outlines various types of offerings, such as burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings, each with specific purposes and regulations (Leviticus 1-7).

The principle of tithing, giving a tenth of one's produce or income, is introduced in the Old Testament as a way to support the Levitical priesthood and the work of the temple (Numbers 18:21: "Behold, I have given the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting."). Tithing is also seen as an acknowledgment of God's provision and sovereignty.

In the New Testament, the focus shifts from the ritualistic aspects of offerings to the heart and intent behind the giving. Jesus commends the widow who gives two small coins, saying, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on" (Luke 21:3-4). This highlights the value of sacrificial giving and the importance of the giver's heart.

The Apostle Paul encourages believers to give generously and cheerfully, as an act of worship and a reflection of God's grace. In 2 Corinthians 9:7 , he writes, "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver." Offerings in the New Testament context are not limited to financial gifts but include acts of service and the giving of oneself to God and others.

In summary, alms and offerings are vital expressions of faith, demonstrating love for God and neighbor. They serve as tangible manifestations of the believer's commitment to living out the principles of justice, mercy, and generosity as taught in Scripture.