Bible Verses About Almsgiving
As Pope Francis reminds us, “The duty of almsgiving is as old as the Bible.” For Jews, giving to the poor was a religious obligation. In the New Testament, Jesus reframes almsgiving as an act of love—a joyful, humble response to those in need. Through parables like the Rich Man and Lazarus and teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, He calls us to imitate God’s generosity.
New Testament Teachings on Almsgiving
1. Give Freely, as God Gives to You
“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” (Matthew 5:42)
"Freely you have received; freely give." (Matthew 10:8, NIV)
"Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work to share with those in need." (Ephesians 4:28)
2. Serving the Poor = Serving Christ
"‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father... For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was a stranger and you invited me in.’" (Matthew 25:34–36)
3. Give Humbly...
"When you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets... Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret." (Matthew 6:2–4, NIV)
"A poor widow put in two small coins. Jesus said, ‘She gave more than all the others—she gave all she had to live on.’" (Mark 12:41–44)
4. ...And Joyfully!
"Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly; whoever sows generously will reap generously. God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:6–8)
With Hozana: Learn from the Poor
By loving the "least of these," we build God’s Kingdom. Deepen your journey with:
FAQ About the Bible and Almsgiving
1. What is almsgiving in the Bible?
Almsgiving is an act of charity and compassion toward the poor or suffering. But it’s more than that—it also transforms the giver, who learns to see poverty without turning away. As the book of Tobit beautifully explains:
"Do not turn your face away from anyone who is poor, and God’s face will not be turned away from you. Give in proportion to what you have: if you have much, give generously; if little, give what you can. Almsgiving saves from death and purges every sin. Those who give will live in fullness." (Tobit 4:7–11)
2. How should we practice almsgiving?
Almsgiving is more than material giving—it’s about:
Listening to those in need.
Giving time and attention, not just money.
Seeing poverty with humility and responding with compassion.
It’s a way to share what we’ve received from God, as Jesus taught: "Freely you have received; freely give." (Matthew 10:8)
3. What’s the difference between almsgiving and offerings?
Offerings are gifts to God (e.g., temple sacrifices, church donations).
Almsgiving is directed to people in need.
Yet, Jesus reveals that serving the poor = serving God: "Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for Me." (Matthew 25:40)
