He that gives unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hides his eyes shall have many a curse.
Read Chapter 28
Augustine of Hippo
AD 430
Don’t forget that rule, where it says, “Whoever gives to the poor will never be in want.” Have you already forgotten what the Lord is going to say to those who have given to the poor: “Come, blessed of my Father, receive the kingdom”? Sermon
Whenever you gather the harvest or vintage, calculate your expenses and those of all who pertain to you and include what you will put into your purse. Then, of what remains, because it was not really given to you, as was already said, but was transmitted to you for distribution among the poor, set it all aside or as much as God inspires your heart to give. The result thus will be as though you had put it in God’s hand. If, as we believe, you are willing to do this devoutly, your soul will not only be exasperated and saddened by the captives and poor who come to you but will even rejoice and be glad. With the greatest willingness you will bestow what you set aside for the necessities of the poor out of love for God, and there will be fulfilled in you the words “God loves a cheerful giver” and “He that gives to the poor shall never want.”
