“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
Hebrews 13: 16
I came across this verse the other day and the phrasing immediately struck me. First, the phrase “share what you have” caught my attention. Sometimes I think we get into a rut when it comes to being generous… at least I do. Sometimes we slip into the mindset that only those with a large income should be generous, or when we have an extra amount of something, then we should share. But this verse says “share what you have”, … it indicates that you ALREADY have something to share. So it is not necessary for it to be “extra” in order for me to share. I’m to share exactly what I have. If I only have 1 apple, I’m to share it. If I only have $50, I’m to share it. We have all been given SOMETHING that we could share. Can you share your time? Can you share kindness? Can you share your dinner? Can you share words of encouragement? Can you share whatever it is that you have?
Maybe the better questions is “Will you?” This verse also calls it a sacrifice…a sacrifice that is pleasing to God. Sometimes the hardest part of sharing and being generous is when you feel that sacrifice… when you give up something you wanted or needed so that someone else could have it. I often find myself more selfish than generous when it comes to sharing sacrificially. But when I give it cheerfully, not begrudgingly God is pleased.
So let’s consider what we have… that we may have overlooked… and share it whole-heartedly! And may God be pleased with our sharing!
