Community sharing is a principle deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting the values of generosity, unity, and mutual support among believers. This concept is particularly evident in the early Christian church, as described in the New Testament, where the followers of Christ practiced communal living and shared their resources to ensure that no one among them was in need.

Old Testament Foundations

The idea of community sharing can be traced back to the Old Testament, where the Law of Moses provided guidelines for caring for the poor and marginalized. For instance, the Israelites were commanded to leave the gleanings of their harvest for the poor and the foreigner (Leviticus 19:9-10). This practice ensured that those who were less fortunate could partake in the community's abundance.

The Year of Jubilee, described in Leviticus 25, also emphasized the importance of economic equality and the restoration of property. Every fiftieth year, debts were to be forgiven, and land was to be returned to its original owners, preventing the accumulation of wealth in the hands of a few and promoting a sense of communal responsibility.

New Testament Practice

The New Testament provides a vivid picture of community sharing in the early church. Acts 2:44-45 states, "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This passage highlights the radical generosity and unity that characterized the early Christian community.

Similarly, Acts 4:32-35 describes how "no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned." The apostles distributed resources according to each person's need, demonstrating a practical outworking of love and care within the body of Christ.

The Apostle Paul also encouraged community sharing in his epistles. In 2 Corinthians 8:13-15 , he writes about the principle of equality, urging the Corinthian church to give generously to support the believers in Jerusalem: "The goal is equality. As it is written: 'The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.'"

Theological Implications

Community sharing is not merely a social or economic practice but is deeply theological, reflecting the nature of God and His kingdom. It embodies the love and selflessness that Jesus Christ exemplified, as believers are called to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2) and to consider others more important than themselves (Philippians 2:3-4).

This practice also serves as a witness to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Jesus taught that love for one another would be the hallmark of His disciples (John 13:34-35), and community sharing is a tangible expression of that love.

Challenges and Considerations

While community sharing is a biblical ideal, it presents challenges in its application. The early church faced issues such as the deceit of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) and the neglect of certain widows in the daily distribution of food (Acts 6:1). These incidents highlight the need for integrity, fairness, and wise administration in communal living.

Moreover, community sharing must be voluntary and motivated by love, not compulsion. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that giving should be done willingly and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7), reflecting the heart of Christ who gave Himself freely for humanity.

In summary, community sharing is a profound expression of Christian fellowship and love, rooted in biblical teachings and exemplified by the early church. It challenges believers to live selflessly, reflecting the generosity and unity that are hallmarks of the Kingdom of God.