The Poor Man And Charity

Et tu, pauper, commissam tibi dispensationem non parvam paupertatis existimes si patienter feras, si ingratus non sis, si sis vel in ipsa necessitte sobrius et frugalis; si danti agas gratias, non danti non ingeras blasphemans injurias; si tantum quaeras quantum dat misericordia, non quantum cupiditas importuna compellit. Certe et tu, pauper, qui libenter petis, da etiam tu libenter petentibus. Sed forte dicis, Non habeo: sit dandi animus, et facultas non deerit largiendi, pone advenienti sellam tuam, pone mensam tuam, candelabrum, lucernam: certe ex eo quod accepisti gratanter apppone. Sanctus Petrus Chrysologus, Sermo XXVI Source: Migne PL 52.275a-b

And you, poor man, do not think that the stewardship of poverty committed to you is of little value, if you should bear it patiently, if you should not be ungrateful, if you should be composed and frugal even in need, if you should give thanks to the one who gives and not woundingly abuse the  one who does not give, if you should seek only as much as mercy gives and not as much as pressing greed urges. Certainly even you, poor man, who willingly seek, should also willingly give to those who seek. But perhaps you say, 'I have nothing.' Then have the spirit of giving and you shall not lack the means for generosity. Offer your chair to the one who approaches, set out your table, your candlestick, your lamp. Gladly provide from whatever you have received. Saint Peter Chrysologus, from Sermon 26