Question 1

Why should I share?

Accepted Answer

Matthew 7:12“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”1 Corinthians 1:4I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you.Ephesians 4:16He [Jesus Christ] makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.We are to share with others because God shares so generously with us. Sharing is an expression of love. We need to share because God has given us special gifts, and by sharing them with others, we pass them on and bless others.John 6:9“There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?”Our sharing benefits others far more than we may realize. The boy in this story shared his lunch with Jesus, who multiplied it to feed thousands of people. This allowed them to experience a great miracle firsthand, and allowed them to spend more time listening to Jesus. Because of this amazing experience, many surely went home with a newfound faith in Jesus.

Question 2

In what ways might I share with others?

Accepted Answer

Proverbs 22:9Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.Isaiah 58:7“Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.”Acts 4:32All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.Romans 1:11I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord.Romans 12:13When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.Romans 12:15Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.Galatians 6:2Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.Philippians 1:7So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News.God asks that we share our money, our home, our resources, our love, our faith, our sympathy, our joys and sorrows. When we share, we connect with others in relationship and demonstrate our Christian love. Sharing with others demonstrates that we understand the true source of every resource we own. Everything we have comes from God.

Question 3

What special things does God share with me?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 25:14The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.Romans 8:17Since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.Colossians 3:4When Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.God shares his love, peace, and comfort. God shares forgiveness of sins and salvation. And one day God will share heaven, his eternal home, his glory, with all who believe in him.

Question 4

How much of my resources am I expected to share with others?

Accepted Answer

Deuteronomy 14:27“Do not neglect the Levites in your town, for they will receive no allotment of land among you.”1 Corinthians 16:2On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.2 Corinthians 9:7You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”Trying to quantify how much we should share or give to others, reveals the wrong attitude. God desires that we will want to give to others—and generously! When we are giving from the heart, the amount we give doesn’t matter. Our giving is governed only by the limits of our love.

Question 5

Why should I share with someone who didn’t work hard to earn it?

Accepted Answer

1 Samuel 30:24“Who will listen when you talk like this? We share and share alike—those who go to battle and those who guard the equipment.”1 Timothy 6:18Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.Our role is to share out of a loving heart and leave justice up to God. Sometimes we may assume a person doesn’t deserve something when, in fact, they worked hard behind the scenes. More importantly, remember that God shares his generous gifts with us even though we don’t always deserve it.