Is Almsgiving a Spiritual Gift?

[Autumn-Smoke]

Looking at the reading for today, Romans 12:5-16, it classifies almsgiving as a gift, and lists it with other gifts such as prophecy, administration, and teaching.

I know that we should all tithe, so how would this be a spiritual gift? Would it be based on the monetary wealth we possess? Were there designated Almsgivers during Temple Times?

Thanks for your ideas.

“All of us, in union with Christ, form one body, and as parts of it we belong to each other. Our gifts differ according to the grace given us. If your gift is prophecy, then use it as your faith suggests; if administration, then use it for administration; if teaching, then use it for teaching. Let the preachers deliver sermons, the almsgivers give freely, the officials be diligent, and those who do works of mercy do them cheerfully.”

 

[Jared2914]

A normal tithe would be giving 10% of income. Those with the spiritual gift of giving have both the ability to give more (have more than 10% surplus money) and the desire to give more (have a giving heart). Not everyone has those traits. It’s true that everyone has a duty or calling to give to those in need, but some people are called to give more than the normal amount.

The footnotes in the NABRE translation I read say this verse refers to wealthy patrons in ancient times that gave large sums for projects for the good of all. In modern times, this might be a wealthy family paying for a new Catholic school to be built. It could also be for a secular building like money for homeless shelters to address poverty. I’m sure you can think of many other possibilities, but it involves people in unique situations accepting the call in their hearts to give a huge chunk of money to those in need.