Sharing What You Have
Have you ever opened your closet or kitchen and noticed how much you have? I know I have! Maybe you have enough shirts to last a month, or your pantry is stocked with food for weeks. Most of us don’t mean to ignore the needs of others, but it’s easy to forget that what we have—and choose to keep or share—shows people something about our faith.
The verse for today comes from a letter written by John, one of Jesus’ closest friends. John wrote this letter to encourage believers to love each other not just with words, but with real actions. He wanted to make it clear that loving God means sharing what we have. Real faith, he says, is seen in how boldly we share with others.
Today’s Scripture
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”
(1 John 3:17)
Breaking Down the Verse
- “If anyone has material possessions…”
This means if you have stuff—money, food, clothes, or anything extra in your life. - “…and sees a brother or sister in need…”
You notice someone near you (a fellow believer, a friend, a family member) doesn’t have enough. Maybe they need food, a warm coat, or help paying for something important. - “…but has no pity on them…”
You see their trouble, but your heart doesn’t feel sad for them. You don’t care enough to do anything. - “…how can the love of God be in that person?”
John asks: if you don’t feel moved to help, is God’s love really inside you? His point is clear: God’s love always moves us to help others.
What does this mean?
John isn’t saying you have to give away everything. He’s saying real love doesn’t just see a need and walk away or make excuses. If God’s love lives in us, it will push us to share what we have—boldly, even when it’s not easy.
Faith in Action
How can we live out faith that shares boldly? Here are some simple, real-life ways:
Notice People’s Needs
- Take time to see people around you who might be struggling—at work, at church, in your neighborhood, or even in your family.
- A friend might not say they need help, but you might notice their shoes are worn out, or they’re skipping meals.
Share What You Have
- Open your hands, not just your heart. If you have food, share a meal. If you have extra clothes, give them away.
- It could be as simple as sharing lunch or giving a coat you don’t wear.
Give Without Expecting Anything Back
- True sharing means not waiting for thanks or payback.
- Do it quietly if you can. God sees even when no one else does.
Make Room in Your Budget for Generosity
- Plan to give. Set aside a little money or resources each month to help someone in need.
- Even small gifts can mean a lot.
Open Your Home or Table
- Invite someone over for coffee or a meal.
- Hospitality is a powerful way to share God’s love.
Share Time and Skills
- Sometimes people need a helping hand more than stuff. Offer to babysit, help with schoolwork, or fix something broken.
Tell Others Why You Share
- When someone asks why you help, tell them it’s because God’s love makes you want to. Your sharing can point others to Jesus.
Journaling Prompts for Deeper Reflection
Daily Affirmation
“God’s love in me helps me share boldly and generously each day.”
Today’s Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your clear words in 1 John 3:17 that remind me about real love. When I see others in need, whether they need food, clothes, a friend, or help, please don’t let me just walk away. If I have things to share but close my heart to others, how can I say Your love lives in me?
Open my eyes to see needs around me and soften my heart to care. Help me to share what I have, even when it’s not easy. Thank You for giving me so much, and teach me to give with a happy heart. Let Your love flow through me in real, helpful ways today.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
