Sell your possessions and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. Luke 12:33
“Almsgiving proceeds from a merciful heart is more useful for the one who practices it than for the one who receives it, for the man who makes a practice of almsgiving draws out a spiritual profit from his acts, whilst those who receive his alms receive only a temporal benefit.”
Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) in Commentary on the Second Epistle to the Corinthians 8.10.
Someone asked me about almsgiving recently so I am doing some research to learn more about this act that delivers temporal benefit and returns an even greater spiritual profit.
My finds reveal clues that appear like the modern day benevolence fund or deacons fund. Imagine a collection to help people in crisis or provide one-time gifts to those with unexpected need.
Evidence also points to support for the infirm, the destitute, and those who may not be able to work. Support to them shows God’s love to the watching work through the care of the weak and marginalized.
And notice, Aquinas links the benefit to those with a merciful heart.
Let’s unpack that. It’s a heart that says, “I have more than enough and I will give to those that may not even be deserving because in my undeserving state, God showered blessings on me.”
If you have resources, give alms to individuals and upport ministries that build up people on a local and global scale. Do this so they receive temporal benefit and you get unfailing spiritual profit.