Tithe Or Alms? Poem by Dr John Celes

Many a time, I ask myself the query,
'which is better tithe or alms? '
I'm unsure of the answer yet,
But my conscience prefers the latter.

God does not need our tithe at all,
But sees the heart that gives freely;
God does not need money to build
His house of worship in great style.

God does not love to be draped in silk,
Gold-embroidered and diadem of precious stones;
God does not want the flowers we place
Or sacrifices or burnt offerings we make.

'Tis better to give alms for the poor,
Clothes for the naked beggar;
Console the aggrieved and feed the hungry;
God's happy with our charity.

God sees our heart and knows our thoughts
Before they are even born;
He loves the Good Samaritan and
Rewards him in heaven.

The two things are quite dissimilar;
One is divine the other worldly;
Yet, God is happier when we do
Our duty to our unfortunate brethren.

Copyright by Dr John Celes 4-10-2014