Hebrews 13:6
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
A Faithful Steward
Peter admonishes us to serve one
another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace (1 Peter 4:10). This
means we should share with the Lord’s people who are in need (Romans
12:13). What does this look like? It means that we can buy something
for someone who needs it but cannot afford it. It means that we can give
someone whose car is broke down or who doesn’t own a car a ride to
church. It means that God has entrusted to us resources that others
don’t have with the express purpose of sharing them with those who don’t
have much. What if your brother or sister has a need for clothing or
food and you say, “Go in peace and be warm and filled,” but then do
absolutely nothing about it (James 2:15-16). What kind of faith is that?
It’s dead (James 2:17). If we are faithful stewards, we will help those
who have nothing. You are probably blessed, but those who are blessed
are intended to be a blessing to others.
A Brother or Sister in Need
If someone has this world’s goods and
does not share, how in the world can they say they have the love of God
in them? The Apostle John asks that if someone has the world’s goods and
sees that his brother or sister has need but chooses to close his or
her heart against him or her, how does God’s love abide in them (1 John
3:17)? The answer, of course, is that it doesn’t. I am not saying
they’re not saved. John is only saying you can’t play the hypocrite and
say you have God’s love within you yet never prove this love by
sharing what you have with those who have little or nothing. If you
close your ears to the poor, God may close His ears to your cries when
you plead your need to Him (Proverbs 21:13).
Gifts of the Spirit
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are not for
our own use. They are intended to help others, to build up the church,
to edify the church, and to strengthen the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians
14:12). What has God given you that He intends for you to share with
others? I believe it is our monetary blessings, our material resources,
and our gifts of the Holy Spirit. We are given blessings to be a
blessing. To hoard what we have for ourselves is to misuse or abuse
these precious gifts or blessings that God has given us. Who knows? If
we don’t share our blessings with others, God may take them back. The
Lord gives, and the Lord takes away (Job 1:21).
A Closing Prayer
Father, You have blessed us with more
than what most of the world has. I need to learn to share and be a
blessing to others, for that is why You have blessed me with so much, I
am sure. I do know that it’s more of a blessing for me to give than to
receive (Acts 20:35), and in Christ’s great name I pray.
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