Greed (Avarice) vs. Charity (Generosity)

Greed (Avarice) vs. Charity (Generosity)


Deadly Sin and Heavenly Virtue


"Rely not upon deceitful wealth, for it will be no help on the day of wrath." Sirach 5:10

"For we brought nothing into the world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it." 1 Timothy 6:7

"For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains." 1 Timothy 6:10

"Tell the rich in the present age not to be proud and not to rely on so uncertain a thing as wealth but rather on God, who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment." 1 Timothy 6:17

"Let your life be free from love of money but be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never forsake you or abandon you." Hebrews 13:5

"But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you."  Matthew 6:3-4


"Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasure in heaven where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be." Matthew 6:19-21

"It is easier for a camel to pass through (the) eye of (a) needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." Mark 10:25

"Then he said to the crowd, "Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one's life does not consist of possessions." Luke 12:15

"If therefore, you are not trustworthy with dishonest wealth, who will trust you with true wealth? If you are not trustworthy with what belongs to another, who will give you that is yours? No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth." Luke 16:11-13

"Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you." Luke 6:38

"Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, ready to share." 1 Tim. 6:18

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, That there may be food in my house, and try me in this, says the Lord of hosts: Shall I not open for you the floodgates of heaven, to pour down blessing upon you without measure." Malachi 3:10

"...nor thieves, nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God."
1 Corinthians 6:10


"Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9: 6-7


Greed is the desire for wealth (money), power and material things or earthly treasures as well as other people's property. Greed is about more than money, and it is a kind of selfishness. It can also mean that you want the honor of the world and the best for yourself instead of pleasing God first. It is thinking you can never have enough money or possessions and that more is always better. We often assume that money exists for our own benefit, rather than for God or others. You start being a slave to these objects. God doesn't care how many toys, electronics, trading cards or other trinkets you have, He just wants you to follow Him. When you want to get your share and more, you don't make room for the spiritual reward of Heaven. For if your treasure is on earth, your heart will experience disappointment.

Charity is having an unselfish attitude which causes you to perform actions out of love for God. To be charitable is to have authentic love for others, which means to want what is really good for them.  Charity or generosity will open your heart as well as the hearts of people who receive from you. It means being willing to share with others, and realizing that all you have belongs to God. It is also the ability to give to those in need without feeling superior or wanting to show off to others in a public way. And the more generously you give, the richer you will become. If you give, God will give back to you in some form of a blessing. You have to ask yourself, "Are you giving all you can to the Lord's Kingdom?" Giving at church and giving to your community is a selfless act. Tithing or almsgiving (10% of what we have earned) is bringing an offering to God or giving to a need. Charity may mean letting others get the credit or praise. You can also share the credit of successes with others or even share in the blame. You also need to remember to accept the help from others gratefully, knowing you can't do it all. 

You are most like God when you give to others and doing good for others honors them and God.  You need to give to God by enjoying what He gives to you.  You cannot outgive God so give what you can of the money you earn and/or the services you provide with your time. In fact, He is the God of More - more of Himself and His goodness, more of His kindness and His mercy. He gives us not only eternal life, but the very presence of His Holy Spirit in our lives.

The best way to give is to give with cheer - it has to be from the heart, having a heart willing to give. You should give your time, attention and energy without expecting anything in return.  Even being anonymous or doing your good deed in secret can bring about a lot of fun planning your surprise strategy. Too often our actions are good, but our reasons are not. Time and again people serve and give not from compassion, but from selfish motives. God knows sincere faith and loves a pure heart. You cannot give while expecting to get something in return. You must give and serve in response to God’s love not for others approval or recognition.  

You can't take money or possessions with you when you die. You don't want your possessions to own you. It may be nice to bless others by giving maybe your toys, books or clothes to other children who don't have much. You can reach out in many ways with good works like cleaning a park, give 10% of your Halloween candy to missionaries in Africa or Operation Shoebox or perhaps shoveling, washing a car, doing yardwork for a neighbor. So start now to reserve a little extra money, time and energy so you can share it with those around you.  As Catholic Christians, we should serve and give, even if no one notices because we know there is One who always sees.