Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Importance The act of sharing, within the biblical context, refers to the distribution or giving of one's resources, time, or talents to others. It is a fundamental expression of love, compassion, and community, deeply rooted in the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments. Sharing is not merely an act of charity but a reflection of God's character and His commands to His people. Old Testament Foundations The concept of sharing is embedded in the Mosaic Law, which emphasizes care for the poor and the stranger. Leviticus 19:9-10 instructs, "When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the LORD your God." This command highlights the importance of leaving portions of one's harvest for those in need, demonstrating God's provision through His people. The account of Ruth and Boaz further illustrates the act of sharing. Boaz, a man of wealth and influence, shares his resources with Ruth, a foreign widow, by allowing her to glean in his fields and providing her with protection and sustenance (Ruth 2:8-16). This act of kindness and generosity is a model of godly sharing and hospitality. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies and teaches the act of sharing. The feeding of the five thousand (Matthew 14:13-21) is a profound example where Jesus takes five loaves and two fish, blesses them, and shares them with the multitude, demonstrating God's miraculous provision and the importance of sharing even when resources seem limited. The early church in Acts is a testament to communal sharing. 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 illustrates the early Christians' commitment to living in community and ensuring that no one among them lacked necessities. The Apostle Paul also emphasizes sharing in his epistles. In Galatians 6:2 , he writes, "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Sharing is seen as a way to bear each other's burdens, fulfilling the law of love that Christ commanded. Spiritual and Practical Implications Sharing is not only a physical act but also a spiritual discipline that reflects the heart of God. It is an expression of the fruit of the Spirit, particularly love, kindness, and goodness (Galatians 5:22-23). The act of sharing cultivates a spirit of generosity and selflessness, aligning believers with the character of Christ. Practically, sharing can take many forms, including financial support, hospitality, time, and talents. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) teaches that sharing transcends cultural and social boundaries, calling believers to show mercy and compassion to all, regardless of their background. Eternal Perspective The act of sharing has eternal significance. Jesus teaches in Matthew 25:35-40 that acts of kindness and sharing done to "the least of these" are done unto Him. This underscores the eternal value of sharing, as it is a service to Christ Himself and will be rewarded in His kingdom. In summary, the act of sharing is a vital aspect of Christian living, deeply rooted in Scripture and exemplified by Jesus Christ and the early church. It is a tangible expression of love and obedience to God's commands, with both temporal and eternal implications. |