Almsgiving was a means of sharing, establishing equality, and distributing to those in need. This was meant to be reciprocal, and all were called upon — even the poor — to contribute to the common good. In this way, the dignity of all was meant to be upheld, and no one person’s ego was allowed to rise above the equality shared by all. Every gift was expected to be appreciated, every member loved, but none unduly revered or indulged. No one community or church was intended to dominate another, but all were to help other Christian communities stay afloat in goods and finances.
