Alms are not sort of tree, but rather something you should be aware of and act on.
The word "alms" in the Greek New Testament, which initially meant "mercy" or "kindness," later came to signify the good behaviors motivated by mercy and kindness. Thus, it began to refer to charitable giving to the impoverished or giving out of love.
This phrase is frequently translated as "charitable deed."
LUKE 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
Jesus frequently mentioned offering alms. But He made it crystal that our intentions matter.
MATTHEW 6:2-4 2 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. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
An angel brought this word to Cornelius, who was described in the Bible as "a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and who prayed to God always" (Acts 10:2).
ACTS 10:4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
God was moved by this Roman soldier's generosity in providing for the impoverished. God took note of his deeds.
Alms are not sacrifices made in devotion to God or to help His authorized officials. Alms are charitable acts, presents given to the needy and impoverished. Supporting those who are suffering.
God values alms. They represent a loving deed.
Giving or any other acts we accomplish can not make us right with God, only what Jesus performed for us can. However, as God's children, we have a responsibility to take care of those that God cherishes as well.
SAY THIS: Giving alms is a sign of love for those who are in need.
