Almsgiving is a core part of Jesus’ teachings, not just as an act of charity but as a reflection of your heart and faith. Jesus made it clear that giving to the poor is tied to righteousness, humility, and love for your neighbor. Whether through quiet generosity, sacrificial giving like the widow’s offering, or the command to store up treasure in heaven, Jesus emphasized that how you use your resources reveals where your heart truly is.
This isn’t just about money—it’s about justice, mercy, and aligning your life with God’s priorities. Giving isn’t optional in the life of a disciple; it’s essential. If you want to follow Jesus fully, how you treat the poor matters. Keep reading for a deeper dive into the teachings, parables, and practical ways you can live this out every day.
If you’ve ever wondered what Jesus really thought about giving to the poor, you’re not alone. Almsgiving—donating to those in need—wasn’t just a nice thing to do in Jesus’ time. It was central to his message. In fact, how you handle money, especially in relation to the poor, reveals a lot about your heart. And Jesus had a lot to say about that.
Let’s break down why almsgiving matters, how Jesus approached it, and what it means for you today.
What Is Almsgiving?
Almsgiving is simply giving to the poor or needy. Traditionally, it means money or food, but it can also include acts of mercy or service. In Jewish culture, almsgiving was already a common practice—deeply rooted in the Law and the Prophets (see Deuteronomy 15:7-11).
But Jesus takes it further. He doesn’t just focus on the act. He focuses on why you give—and how.
1. Jesus Tied Almsgiving to Righteousness
In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus says:
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them… But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”
Here’s what that means: it’s not just about the giving. It’s about the heart behind it. Jesus challenges people to stop giving for attention or status. If you give just to look good, you’ve already received your reward—people’s praise. That’s not the reward that matters.
Key takeaway:
Give quietly. Give humbly. God sees it, and that’s enough.
2. Almsgiving Shows Where Your Treasure Is
Jesus doesn’t mince words about wealth. In Luke 12:33-34, he says:
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
This isn’t just a suggestion. It’s a call to reorient your life. Jesus is saying, What you do with your money shows where your heart truly is.
Consider this:
- If your life revolves around comfort and accumulation, your heart is in the wrong place.
- But if your life revolves around caring for others, you’re storing up treasure in heaven.
3. He Praised the Poor Widow’s Almsgiving
One of the most striking moments in the Gospels comes in Mark 12:41-44. Jesus watches people putting money into the temple treasury. Many rich people give large sums. But a poor widow drops in two small copper coins—worth only a few cents.
Jesus says:
“Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.”
Why? Because she gave out of her poverty, not abundance. She gave all she had.
That’s the heart of almsgiving—not the amount, but the sacrifice behind it.
4. Giving Is a Path to Eternal Life
In Matthew 19:16-22, a rich young man asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to keep the commandments. The man says he’s done that.
Then Jesus goes deeper:
“If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
The man walks away sad because he had great wealth.
This shows the tension between riches and discipleship. Almsgiving isn’t optional. For Jesus, generosity is part of the cost of following him.
5. Giving Is a Way to Love Your Neighbor
In Luke 10:25-37, the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus redefines what it means to love your neighbor. The Samaritan doesn’t just feel compassion—he acts. He pays for the injured man’s care with his own money.
Jesus ends with:
“Go and do likewise.”
Love isn’t passive. Almsgiving is a way love becomes real.
6. Jesus Taught That God Rewards Secret Giving
Let’s go back to Matthew 6. Jesus says that when you give in secret, “your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
What kind of reward? He doesn’t spell it out, but the idea is clear: God values unseen, sincere generosity more than loud, performative charity.
Practical tip:
- Don’t post every act of giving online.
- Don’t seek validation from others.
- Let your giving be between you and God.
7. Almsgiving Is Part of Justice, Not Charity
Jesus often called out the religious elite for ignoring justice. In Luke 11:42, he says:
“Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth… but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.”
He’s not saying giving is wrong—but it’s incomplete without justice. Helping the poor isn’t just “nice.” It’s right.
Giving isn’t a favor—it’s your duty.
Numbers That Speak
Let’s take a moment to look at the bigger picture of how central giving is in Scripture:
- Over 2,000 verses in the Bible address money and possessions.
- 1 out of every 10 verses in the Gospels deals with money.
- 16 of Jesus’ 38 parables are about money or possessions.
- Jesus talks more about money than heaven and hell combined.
Why? Because money competes for your heart like nothing else. And almsgiving helps break its grip.
So, What Does This Mean for You?
Here’s how to live out Jesus’ teachings on almsgiving in practical ways:
1. Start with what you have.
You don’t have to be wealthy to give. Remember the widow’s two coins. Even small gifts matter when they come from the heart.
2. Make it a habit.
Set aside a portion of your income for giving—weekly, monthly, however it works for you.
3. Give privately.
Don’t seek attention. Focus on God’s approval, not people’s praise.
4. Be relational.
Don’t just give money—care about people. Talk to them. Listen. Serve.
5. Let giving shape your faith.
It’s not just a financial decision. It’s a spiritual one. It shapes your character and aligns you with God’s heart.
Final Thoughts
Jesus didn’t just command almsgiving—he lived it. He gave his time, energy, and ultimately his life for others. When you give, especially to those in need, you reflect his love. You live out the Gospel.
So next time you have a chance to give—take it. Not because you have to. But because that’s how the Kingdom of God works.
And remember:
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
10 FAQs on The Role of Almsgiving in Jesus’ Teachings
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is almsgiving in the Bible?
Almsgiving refers to giving money, food, or other help to the poor as an act of mercy and righteousness. It’s emphasized throughout Scripture, especially in Jesus’ teachings.
2. How did Jesus view almsgiving?
Jesus saw almsgiving as a key part of discipleship. He taught that it should be done sincerely and privately, not for show, and that it reflects the condition of your heart.
3. Why does Jesus say to give in secret?
In Matthew 6:1–4, Jesus teaches that secret giving honors God rather than seeking attention from others. God values your motives more than the amount you give.
4. Is almsgiving required for Christians?
While not a rule-based requirement, Jesus makes clear that generosity is essential to following Him. Giving is part of living out love, justice, and humility.
5. What’s the difference between tithing and almsgiving?
Tithing is giving a set portion (traditionally 10%) to support religious work. Almsgiving focuses on giving directly to the poor and those in need, often beyond the tithe.
6. What Bible verses talk about giving to the poor?
Key passages include Matthew 6:1–4, Luke 12:33–34, Matthew 19:21, Mark 12:41–44, and Luke 11:42. These highlight both the act of giving and the heart behind it.
7. Did Jesus ever give money to the poor?
The Gospels don’t record Jesus giving money directly, but His teachings, stories, and way of life modeled deep compassion and generosity toward the poor and marginalized.
8. How should Christians give today?
Give with a cheerful, humble heart. Use your income, time, and resources to help the poor, support ministries, and meet practical needs—without seeking praise.
9. What are the rewards of almsgiving?
Jesus teaches that God rewards giving done in secret (Matthew 6:4). The rewards may not be material—they often come as spiritual growth, deeper faith, and eternal treasure.
10. Why is almsgiving linked to eternal life in Jesus’ teachings?
In Matthew 19:21, Jesus tells a rich man to give to the poor as part of inheriting eternal life. This shows that generosity isn’t just good—it’s foundational to following Christ fully.
