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Elder Ambrose of Optina: On Almsgiving
Elder Ambrose of Optina: On Almsgiving
On almsgiving the Elder said: "St. Dimitry of Rostov wrote: 'Even if a man comes to you on a horse and asks you for alms, give it to him. You will not have to answer for how he uses it.'"
Also: "St. John Chyrsostom says, 'Begin by giving away what you do not need, what is lying around unsued, to those who are in need. Then you will begin to give what you can according to your means, and finally you will be ready to give away all that you have.'"
--Elder Ambrose of Optina, p. 251
So does this mean we should give whoever asks regardless of what they will use it for?
On almsgiving the Elder said: "St. Dimitry of Rostov wrote: 'Even if a man comes to you on a horse and asks you for alms, give it to him. You will not have to answer for how he uses it.'"
Also: "St. John Chyrsostom says, 'Begin by giving away what you do not need, what is lying around unsued, to those who are in need. Then you will begin to give what you can according to your means, and finally you will be ready to give away all that you have.'"
--Elder Ambrose of Optina, p. 251
So does this mean we should give whoever asks regardless of what they will use it for?
Comments
It doesnt matter how they'll use it.
The gesture of giving is recognized be God as a good deed, despite who you give it to , as long as they ask.
You should not spend it on sin,(the Prodigal Son spent is in sin with his 'friends') however. Be careful with it yet don't care for it. Sort od contradictory, but you get the idea.