TITHE, ALMS AND OFFERING

Matthew 6: 2, 3, 4

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 from men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth, that thine alms may be in secret; and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

TITHE IS WHAT YOU OWE; ALMS IS WHAT YOU SOW.

A tithe is what you pledge, to give back to GOD; an offering transcends the tithe; alms is a free will action to help the poor, the needy and the helpless.  Alms giving is an act of mercy, given freely and without conditions. It is your choice.

JESUS was very specific about alms giving. He said, "when thou doest thine alms" and again, "when thou doest alms"; He didn't say, "if you do alms", He said, "WHEN". This means that JESUS expects for the believer to give alms often, as part of their life as a believer.  The tithe is a vertical response to GOD's goodness; alms giving is the horizontal act of GOD reaching out to the world. This forms a cross and it is that cross that we are to "take up" and follow Him.

Did JESUS give alms? Yes, His greatest "alms giving" was to lay down His life for the redemption of humankind. The Father gave Him life, He gave His life in service to GOD, He laid down His life as the perfect offering to GOD for the sin of the world. JESUS paid His tithe; JESUS gave Himself as an offering; JESUS healed the sick, cleansed the leper, raised the dead and gave His Body and Blood for the redemption of the world. His whole life was alms giving, that is why He says, "when thou doest thine alms". Alms giving is an expected part of the Christian life.

MAKE YOUR LIFE AN OFFERING AND SACRIFICE TO GOD FOR THE GOOD OF MANKIND