Published: August 14, 2009 08:12 am      

Sharing

To whom much is given, much is expected

“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” [1 Timothy 6:18-19]



Devotional writer, F. W. Boreham wrote about an old Scottish woman who lived alone and had great trouble paying her bills and making ends meet.

Nevertheless, she tithed very carefully what little she had and gave her "mite" faithfully to the church. When she was unable to attend services, she called for a deacon to come and collect her offering.

This deacon knew of her poverty, but he also knew she would be greatly offended if he didn't receive her tithe.

One afternoon when he stopped by, the old woman was sitting by the window having a cup of tea.

"The tithe is on the mantel," she said. "Won't ye sit and have a cup of tea?"

The deacon sat down, and old Mary offered him a cup of tea.

"Why, Mary," he exclaimed in surprise, "It's only water ye have!"

"Aye!" she said, "but He makes it taste like tea!"

When we're openhanded, God blesses what remains more than if we had kept it all for ourselves; and in the process, we have joy!

”You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give.”

Winston Churchill



Have you ever wondered why some folks are so generous and some are so stingy?

Why do so many poor people, as the woman in the story above, share so willingly with others?

If everyone was willing to give what they could to others, what a difference it would make in this world. If those with extreme wealth would freely give to those in need, much of the severe poverty that plagues this world could be greatly eased. There are people who could live very comfortably on the money that many spend on trivial matters.

Why do so many very wealthy folks refuse to share, while some very poor folks give all they can?

The Word of God is not kind to the greedy.

In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Paul lists the greedy with the wicked, idolaters, adulterers, thieves, drunkards, slanders and swindlers. God expects us to share what He has given to us. After all, it all comes from Him.

Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” [Luke 6:38]

Paul quoted Jesus in Acts 20:35, saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Everyday we have the opportunity to honor or Lord by sharing with others.

Sharing is not limited to money or material things, but also time and prayer and love.

For many of us, sharing is one of our weakest points of our walk with Christ. May we pray to be better givers, sharing with those in need.



“He who gives to the poor lacks nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses. [Proverbs 28:27]



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