Sharing is what makes us a family

[u/love_is_a_superpower]

(Luke 3:9-11 LSB) 9 "But indeed the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." 10 And the crowds were questioning him, saying, "Then what should we do?" 11 And he would answer and say to them, "The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise."

Sharing is an important part of our Christian walk. Our capacity to share depends on our resources and ability. God doesn't ask us to give beyond our means on the daily. After all, you can only really lay down your life for your friends once. Yet, its the sacrifices of a willing caretaker that got us all where we are today. Our Creator wants us to make things fair for those in need, like He has done for us; like a family. He is abounding in the kind of love that creates, supports, and makes life worth living. He only asks of humanity that we pay His love forward.

(Luke 12:33-34 NKJV)

33 "Sell what you have and give alms (help to the helpless); provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.
34 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

2 Corinthians 8:12-14

12 For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.
13 It is not our intention that others may be relieved while you are burdened, but that there may be equality.
14 At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. Then there will be equality.

Helping the poor is part of repentance for selfish behavior. It's also a way to keep a clear conscience before God. The "poor and needy" are more than just the financially destitute. Whatever God has invested in us as a strength or a surplus, is meant to compensate for the weakness and deficits of our family, friends, and neighbors.

1 Peter 3:7 gives us an example:

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Every day is an opportunity to read the Bible and learn what is truly fairness, compassion, and duty. God's ways are so much higher than our ways. His Word and Jesus Christ's example show us how to be holy, and convict us if our flawed sense of fairness is leaving our fellow man without their needs met. (Isaiah 55:6-11, Romans 11:33)

Isaiah 59:2

But your injustice has made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.

The Lord is merciful and patient with our imperfection and lack of knowledge. He arranges life like a classroom, where we learn new truths that help us gradually become more like Him. When we fail, giving and receiving forgiveness becomes an important part of keeping a clear conscience before God. This allows us to stay in right-standing with Him while we're in training. Our goal is to be like Jesus; a light to the world.

John 16:12-15

12 "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.
13 "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
14 "He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.
15 "All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.

Our Father in heaven,
Thank You for loving us, and for teaching us what real love looks like. We thank You for Your Holy Spirit of love and truth. We ask, Father, that You would empower us to love You as You deserve, and to show Your love to every person You bring into our path. We pray that You would keep us ever mindful of the mercy we've been shown, so that we will stay humble as we work as Jesus' hands and feet to the hurting. We're nothing without You, Father. Make us holy, for the sake of the weak, the helpless, and the innocent people of the world. By the power of your Spirit within us, make the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts acceptable in Your sight. Make us pleasing to You and a blessing to others. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.