Alms: Righteous Giving in Biblical Teaching

The concept of alms appears throughout Scripture as a moral and spiritual duty. In the Old Testament, helping the poor is linked with righteousness and reverence for God (Prov 19:17, 28:27). The prophets frequently call God's people to defend the widow, the orphan, and the foreigner, emphasizing justice over ritual (Isa 1:17; Jer 22:3).

In the New Testament, Jesus elevates almsgiving as an act of worship done in secret, not for public recognition (Mt 6:1–4). He commends the widow who gave out of her poverty (Mk 12:41–44) and identifies care for the hungry, thirsty, and imprisoned as service done directly to Him (Mt 25:34–46). The early church continued this practice, sharing possessions and ensuring no one among them was in need (Acts 2:44–45; 4:32–35).

Almsgiving is one of the classical spiritual disciplines, alongside prayer and fasting. In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus assumes His followers will give—not if, but when. This reflects a lifestyle of generosity shaped by trust in God’s provision. The motivation behind giving matters more than the amount, as God looks at the heart (Mk 9:41).

Almsgiving is a voluntary charitable act involving money, food, clothing, or goods for those in need. It differs from broader good works, which reflect overall character through any positive action. The tithe, usually 10% of income, is given to support the church as an act of obedience and stewardship, returning part of one’s earnings to God.