MEMORY VERSE: Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. Matthew 6:2
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 John - Jude
BIBLE STUDIES: Matthew 6:1-4
Alms are money or goods given to those in need as an act of charity. The concept of alms-giving is so important that God incorporated it into the Mosaic Law. In Leviticus 19:9-10, God ordered land- owners to leave to the poor the corner of the fields, and every seventh year, to leave the entire field (Exodus 23:10-11). In Churches today, ‘alms’ often go by the name love offering or benevolence fund. You can give money, food items, clothes, shoes and other items as alms. When Jesus was on the earth, He and His disciples gave alms. John 13:29 says: “For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.” We are also expected to give love, respect and kindness too. Alms-giving has many advantages. Alms-giving honours God. Proverbs 14:31 says: “He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.” Alms-giving attracts God’s attention. In Acts 10, the Gentile Cornelius’ faithful alms-giving brought him to the attention of God who sent Peter to share the gospel with him. Alms-giving attracts God’s blessing (Proverbs 22:9). Alms-giving attracts a quick response from God when we cry to Him (Proverbs 21:13).
Alms-giving is important but more important is how we give it. Firstly, do not give goods or materials that are meant for the bin as alms. You know that shirt is worn out, why give it to your fellow brother? You know the sole of that shoe is condemned, why give it your fellow sister in the Lord? If something is not good enough for you, do not give out to people. You know those cans of baked beans are expired; please do not give them to the homeless. You know that juice is expired, do not give it to the hungry. Secondly, when you give, do not do it before men, to be seen of them. Do not give so that people can applaud you. Do not give because you want people to sing your praise. Do not give because you want the pastor to know that you are a giver. Do not give to belittle the fellow you are giving to. If you want to assist that struggling family with food items, do it in secret. Make sure you wrap the food items properly so that no one knows what is inside the bag. Call the fellow to the side of the church and give it to him/her or better still take it to their house. Thirdly, when you give alms do not boast about it to people. Matthew 6:2 says: “Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” Do not go about telling people what you have done for the church. Fourthly, the alms you have given must be between you, your husband/wife (if you are married) and God. When all these conditions are met, the God who sees in secret has promised to reward you openly.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY: We will be rewarded openly for what we do in the secret. What are you doing in the secret? What are you doing when the pastor is not there?
PRAYER: Father, please bless me so that I can be a blessing to the world.
Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.
twitter@BroOluwatoki
