the things which they dispense are not their own
Gregory the Great, Pastoral Rule Book III, Pastoral Rule III.20, opening counsel to givers
St. Gregory the Great tells those who give to remember that they are stewards of supplies received from God. The goods entrusted to them are to serve others. This changes the relation between giver and receiver: generosity calls for humility about what has been received and responsibility for its use. Gregory the Great, Pastoral Rule Book III, Pastoral Rule III.20, opening counsel to givers
Gregory warns against seeking a return in favors or praise. He also considers delays, careless distribution and an unpleasant manner that can burden the gift. His counsel concerns the person who gives as well as the resources being given. The neighbor should not be left waiting, or made to repay us with favor or praise. Gregory the Great, Pastoral Rule Book III, Pastoral Rule III.20, opening counsel to givers
Paul asks what anyone possesses that was not received, and why a person would boast as though it were self-created. The question searches spiritual superiority. It offers a fitting scriptural comparison for Gregory’s steward: what we give is already received before it can become service to someone else. 1 Corinthians 4:7
Christ also instructs a host to welcome people who cannot repay the invitation. The passage challenges giving shaped only by expected return. Appropriate help can be offered for the person’s good, without turning their need into a claim on their gratitude or future favors. Luke 14:12–14
Consider the manner of the next gift as well as its amount. Learn the need, offer help respectfully and keep the purpose directed toward service. Gregory’s warnings call us to humility and care, while Paul recalls the God from whom gifts are received. Generosity can honor that truth in the way another person is treated. Gregory the Great, Pastoral Rule Book III, Pastoral Rule III.20, opening counsel to givers
For prayer, use the Lord’s Prayer given by Christ in Matthew 6:9–13.
Sources and edition notes
- Gregory the Great, Pastoral Rule Book III. Source. Translated by James Barmby. From Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Vol. 12. Edited by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1895.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/36013.htm.
Scripture references link to these comparison editions: NKJV. Biblical passages are paraphrased. Biblical language within a patristic quotation follows the identified historical English translation.