Alms Quote by James Russell Lowell
“The Holy Supper is kept, indeed, In whatso we share with anothers need; Not what we give, but what we share, For the gift without the giver is bare; Who gives himself with his alms feeds three, Himself, his hungering neighbor, and me.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Holy Supper, 1845
Sharing sustenance with those in need creates mutual nourishment; the act of giving is incomplete without the giver.
In simple terms: Giving and sharing feed both giver and receiver.
Key Takeaway
Share resources generously to build community.
Themes
generosity
community
interdependence
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
ethical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- volunteer work
- food banks
- neighborhood support groups
Key Concepts
altruism
reciprocity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance personal needs with helping others?
- What boundaries ensure sustainable generosity?
A Different Perspective
Over‑giving without self‑care can lead to depletion.
![“[B]ut in literature, it should be remembered, a thing always becomes his at last who says it best, and thus makes it his own.” quote by James Russell Lowell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4fa/james-russell-lowell-561_books_b-ut-in-literature-it-should-be-remember_55085.jpg)
![“Give a drink of water as alms to the birds which go forth at morning, and deem that they have a better right than men [to thy charity]. For their race brings not harm upon thee in any wise, when thou fearest it from thine own race.” quote by Al-Maʿarri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/915/al-ma-arri-47224_alms_give-a-drink-of-water-as-alms-to-the-bir_171746.jpg)