Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context:Alms refer to charitable giving to the poor and needy, a practice deeply rooted in biblical teachings. The concept of almsgiving is intertwined with righteousness, mercy, and justice, reflecting God's compassion and care for the less fortunate. In the biblical context, alms are not merely financial aid but encompass acts of kindness and support to those in need. Old Testament Teachings: The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for the practice of almsgiving. The Law of Moses includes numerous commandments that emphasize care for the poor, widows, orphans, and strangers. Leviticus 19:9-10 instructs, "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 foreigner. I am the LORD your God." This commandment highlights the importance of leaving provisions for the needy as an act of obedience to God. Deuteronomy 15:7-8 further commands, "If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs." This passage underscores the attitude of generosity and open-handedness that should characterize God's people. Wisdom Literature: The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also speaks to the virtue of almsgiving. Proverbs 19:17 states, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." This verse suggests that acts of charity are not only beneficial to the recipient but are also seen as a service to God Himself, with the promise of divine reward. New Testament Teachings: In the New Testament, Jesus Christ reinforces and expands upon the practice of almsgiving. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches, "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. 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. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:2-4). Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of sincerity and humility in almsgiving, warning against seeking human recognition. The early church continued this practice, 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." This communal sharing reflects the spirit of generosity and mutual care that characterized the early Christian community. Apostolic Teachings: The apostle Paul also addresses the importance of supporting the needy. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, he writes, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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." Paul encourages believers to give willingly and joyfully, highlighting the spiritual principle of reaping what one sows. Practical Implications: The practice of almsgiving is a tangible expression of love and faith. It serves as a reminder of the believer's responsibility to care for others, reflecting the character of God. Almsgiving is not merely a duty but a privilege, allowing believers to participate in God's work of justice and mercy in the world. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 25:35And if your brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with you; then you shall relieve him: yes, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with you. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 14:28,29 Deuteronomy 15:7-11 Isaiah 58:6,7 Matthew 5:42 Matthew 6:1-4 Matthew 19:21 Luke 11:41 Luke 12:33 Romans 12:8 2 Corinthians 9:5-7 Galatians 2:10 1 Timothy 6:18 Hebrews 13:16 1 John 3:17 Library Of the Mass. Articles of Religion of the Reformed Episcopal Church in America. ... The Sermon on the Mount - the Kingdom of Christ and Rabbinic ... Hebrews xi. 13-16 Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects. On the Difficulties and Duties of the Christian Life. Subject Index A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ... Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... The Counter-Reformation Resources What does it mean that we should not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing (Matthew 6:3 4)? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of Romans - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org The Christian and Money ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Alms: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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