How can we apply "share with him who has none" in our community? Setting the Scene: Luke 3:10–11 “‘What then shall we do?’ the crowds asked. John replied, ‘Whoever has two tunics must share with him who has none, and whoever has food must do the same.’” (Luke 3:10–11) Why Sharing Is Central to Discipleship • John’s answer is not optional philanthropy; it is the first practical fruit he lists after calling people to repentance. • Scripture repeatedly ties genuine faith to tangible care for material needs (James 2:15–17; 1 John 3:17–18). • Giving is presented as service rendered directly to Christ Himself (Matthew 25:40). Identifying “Him Who Has None” Today • The neighbor who lacks food, clothing, or shelter. • Single parents stretched thin. • Widows, orphans, and the elderly (James 1:27). • Refugees and immigrants starting over. • Believers persecuted or displaced for their faith (Hebrews 13:3). • Anyone in your church family whose basic needs outstrip their resources (Acts 4:34–35). Practical Ways to Share in Our Community Individual initiatives • Keep a “second tunic” mindset: budget a line for benevolence just as deliberately as for housing or utilities. • Carry ready-to-give grocery gift cards or non-perishable bags in the car. • Open the dinner table once a week to someone who would otherwise eat alone. Family efforts • Sort closets each season; give usable coats, shoes, and school supplies before they gather dust. • Adopt a local family for holidays—meals, gifts, minor home repairs. • Teach children to set aside a firstfruits portion of allowance for those in need. Church-wide action • Maintain a transparent benevolence fund; encourage members to contribute regularly (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Host community clothing closets or food pantries staffed by volunteers. • Partner with Christian job-skills ministries; provide mentors and résumé workshops. • Establish a rotating list of shut-ins needing rides to appointments or help with yardwork. • Create care teams that respond within 24 hours when a member loses work or faces medical bills. Community partnerships • Support crisis-pregnancy centers, homeless shelters, and addiction-recovery programs aligned with biblical values. • Join city-wide “fill-the-truck” drives, bringing Bibles along with blankets and canned goods. • Offer church facilities for after-school tutoring or English-as-a-second-language classes. Cultivating the Right Heart • Cheerfulness: “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Confidentiality: protect the dignity of recipients (Matthew 6:3–4). • Equality: aim not to create dependence but to meet needs so all can serve (2 Corinthians 8:13–15). • Worship: giving is a fragrant offering to God (Philippians 4:18). Guardrails Against Excuses • “I’ll give later, when I have more.” — Proverbs 3:27 warns against withholding when it is in our power to act now. • “They should help themselves.” — Galatians 6:2 commands us to bear one another’s burdens while verse 5 affirms personal responsibility; both truths stand together. • “My little bit won’t matter.” — Five loaves fed thousands when placed in Jesus’ hands (John 6:9–13). Blessings Tied to Obedience • “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will repay him for his deed.” (Proverbs 19:17) • Shared resources knit the body together, producing “glad and sincere hearts” (Acts 2:44–47). • Generosity stores up “treasure in heaven” (Luke 12:33) and brings eternal joy when Christ says, “Well done.” |
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