Sunday, February 12, 2017

What has God given you that he intends for you to share with others?

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.

Amen

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