Most of us see individuals standing along the road, with handmade signs, asking for money (“Will work for money”).  Many of us also receive numerous mailings or emails from good, legitimate organizations asking for donations.  Our churches often make us aware of needs locally and worldwide.

Should we respond to these requests?  If yes, which requests should we respond to and how much should we give?

The Bible supports the idea of “giving alms to the poor.”  Simply stated, giving alms to the poor means giving money or goods to the poor and needy. The Bible says that when we give to the poor it is like we are giving to God.

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.   For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink…. (Matthew 25:34-35 ESV)

My understanding is that giving money or goods to the poor is something that is done in addition to giving our tithes to the church.  This post will only address giving to the poor and needy.  This post is not a discussion of tithes.

What does the Bible say about giving to the poor and needy?

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10 ESV)

• Look for opportunities to do good to others (believers and unbelievers).
• Doing good to “those who are of the household of faith” appears to take priority over doing good to an unbeliever.

In Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church he is challenging the Corinthian church to help the church in Jerusalem, that is struggling due to a famine in the area, when he says, “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.” (1 Corinthians 16:2 ESV)

• Plan ahead. Put something aside for the poor and needy.  Budget the amount you are going to give.

So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction.    The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:5-7 ESV)  (The Corinthian church giving to the Christians in Jerusalem.)

• Give willingly.
• Give generously.
• Give voluntarily.
• The amount and the recipient of your gifts are decisions that “you have decided in your heart”.
• Do not give reluctantly or under compulsion.
• Give cheerfully.

You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.  For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.  By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others,  while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. (2 Corinthians 9:11-14 ESV)

• Give for the glory of God.

The church in Antioch also gave to the church in Jerusalem.

So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. (Acts 11:29 ESV)

• Give what you are able to give.

And they did so (gave gifts), sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul. (Acts 11:30 ESV)

• When your gifts are handled by other individuals or organizations, be sure to use people or organizations with a good reputation.

… your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. (2 Corinthians 8:14 ESV)

• Allow others to be blessed by giving to you when you are in need.

Summary

• Look for opportunities to do good to others (believers and unbelievers).
• Doing good to “those who are of the household of faith” appears to take priority over doing good to an unbeliever.
• Plan ahead. Put something aside for the poor and needy.  Budget the amount you are going to give.
• Give willingly.
• Give generously.
• Give voluntarily.
• The amount and the recipient of your gifts are decisions that “you have decided in your heart”.
• Do not give reluctantly or under compulsion.
• Give cheerfully.
• Give for the glory of God.
• Give what you are able to give.
• When your gifts are handled by other individuals or organizations, be sure to use people or organizations with a good reputation.
• Allow others to be blessed by giving to you when you are in need.

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35 ESV)

 

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