Topical Bible: The Poor: Give To without Ostentation

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In the Christian tradition, the act of giving to the poor is not only a moral obligation but also a spiritual practice that reflects the heart of God. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of caring for the needy, and it instructs believers to do so with humility and sincerity, avoiding any form of ostentation.

Biblical Mandate to Give

The Scriptures are replete with exhortations to support the poor. In Deuteronomy 15:11, the Lord commands, "For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you to open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor in your land." This directive underscores the perpetual presence of poverty and the continuous responsibility of God's people to provide assistance.

Giving with Humility

Jesus Christ, in His teachings, particularly emphasized the manner in which one should give. 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 passage highlights the importance of giving discreetly, ensuring that the act of charity is not performed for public recognition but as a genuine expression of love and compassion.

The Heart of the Giver

The Apostle Paul also addresses the attitude of the giver in 2 Corinthians 9:7, stating, "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." This verse emphasizes that giving should be voluntary and joyful, reflecting a heart aligned with God's own generosity.

Examples of Humble Giving

The Bible provides examples of individuals who gave to the poor without seeking attention. In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus observes a poor widow who contributes two small coins to the temple treasury. He commends her, saying, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others." Her humble offering, given out of poverty, is honored above the larger contributions of the wealthy, illustrating that the value of a gift is measured by the spirit in which it is given.

Warnings Against Ostentation

The Bible warns against the dangers of ostentatious giving, which can lead to pride and self-righteousness. In Matthew 23:5, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees, saying, "All their deeds are done for men to see." This admonition serves as a caution to believers to examine their motives and ensure that their acts of charity are not performed for the sake of human approval.

Conclusion

The biblical call to give to the poor is clear and compelling. Believers are encouraged to give generously and humbly, reflecting the love and grace of God. By doing so, they not only fulfill a divine command but also participate in the redemptive work of Christ, who identified with the poor and marginalized.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 6:1
Take heed that you do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise you have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Answer to Mr. W's Third Objection.
... he had an opportunity of doing good, without incurring the ... of men, and those perhaps
chiefly poor and mean ... almighty God in saving mankind; and give credit to ...
/.../section iii answer to mr.htm

There are Certain Moments in Life which Seem Weighted with the ...
... sweetness, "Come out and see the poor lying at ... of the world,- -come and give comfort! ...
of all Christ's ministers,"without pomp, without ostentation or public ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxviii there are certain moments.htm

With the Entry of Angela's Great Picture "The Coming of Christ" ...
... Aubrey Leigh who works among the outcast and the poor," but more than all
this,"he asks me to give You up ... I need you!"without you the world is dark! ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxxviii with the entry of.htm

Letter xxii. (AD 392. )
... to those parts, for which we give thanks earnestly ... departed, and that they be
distributed without ostentation, and cheerfully ... be given on the spot to the poor. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xxii a d 392.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... The poor man yields to the rich, the plebeian to the noble, the servant ... unhappy age,
that the greater part of men never almost give alms without contumely ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter ii a summary of.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... The poor man yields to the rich, the plebeian to the noble, the servant ... unhappy age,
that the greater part of men never almost give alms without contumely ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 a summary of.htm

2 Cor. Ix. 1
... fountains to spend from [859] ; but if thou chance to see a poor man, then ... For He
that giveth even without receiving, how will He not give after receiving? ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xix 2 cor ix.htm

On the Death of his Father.
... Thus entirely did she give the rein to her generosity. ... or lent to God through the
poor, the only ... he, if anyone, held in check, but without ostentation; so that ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xviii on the death.htm

The Christ of the Gospels.
... Here we have the forgiveness of injuries, without pomp or ... Artists and writers only
give us magnified men. ... of their defects, as members of our poor human family ...
/.../the christ of the gospels 2.htm

Letter xiii. Christian Activity.
... to dry up the secret elements of this wasting pestilence, without the aid ... places
to pray; and when they were about to give anything to the poor, they caused ...
/.../letter xiii christian activity.htm