Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ConceptSharing, in the biblical context, refers to the act of giving or distributing what one has to others, often motivated by love, compassion, and a sense of community. It encompasses not only material possessions but also time, talents, and spiritual gifts. Sharing is a fundamental principle in Christian teachings, reflecting the character of God and the example set by Jesus Christ.
Biblical FoundationsThe concept of sharing is deeply rooted in Scripture, beginning with the Old Testament. The Law of Moses instructed the Israelites to care for the poor and needy, emphasizing the importance of generosity.
Leviticus 19:9-10 commands, "When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the foreign resident. I am the LORD your God."
In the New Testament, sharing is further emphasized through the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught about the blessings of giving, stating in
Matthew 6:3-4 , "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Examples of Sharing in the Early ChurchThe early Christian community exemplified the principle of sharing.
Acts 2:44-45 describes the believers' communal lifestyle: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This practice was not mandated but was a voluntary expression of love and unity among the believers.
The Apostle Paul also encouraged the churches to share with those in need. In
2 Corinthians 9:7 , he writes, "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver." Paul organized collections for the impoverished church in Jerusalem, demonstrating the interconnectedness and mutual support within the body of Christ.
Spiritual Gifts and SharingSharing extends beyond material possessions to include spiritual gifts. Believers are encouraged to use their God-given talents and abilities for the edification of the church. In
1 Peter 4:10 , it is written, "As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another."
Theological ImplicationsSharing reflects the nature of God, who is generous and self-giving.
John 3:16 illustrates the ultimate act of divine sharing: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." Christians are called to imitate this divine generosity in their relationships with others.
Practical ApplicationsIn practical terms, sharing can manifest in various ways, such as providing for the needy, supporting church ministries, and offering hospitality.
Hebrews 13:16 encourages believers, "And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
ConclusionThe biblical principle of sharing is a vital aspect of Christian living, fostering community, compassion, and a reflection of God's love. Through sharing, believers participate in the divine nature and contribute to the well-being of the church and society.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Share.
Greek
3352. metoche --sharing...sharing. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: metoche Phonetic Spelling:
(met-okh-ay') Short Definition:
sharing, partnership, fellowship Definition
...3336. metalempsis -- taking, receiving,sharing
... taking, receiving,sharing. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: metalempsis
Phonetic Spelling: (met-al'-ape-sis) Short Definition: participation...
3353. metochos --sharing in
...sharing in. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: metochos Phonetic Spelling:
(met'-okh-os) Short Definition: a sharer, partner Definition: a sharer...
2130. eumetadotos -- ready to impart
... ready to impart. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: eumetadotos Phonetic
Spelling: (yoo-met-ad'-ot-os) Short Definition: willinglysharing, ready to...
2842. koinonia -- fellowship
... ee'-ah) Short Definition: participation, communion, fellowship Definition: (lit:
partnership) (a) contributory help, participation, (b)sharing in, communion...
4833. summorphoo -- conform to, fashion self according to.
... 4833 -- (from 4862 , "together " and 3444 ; " embodying essence") -- properly,sharing
the same form from embodying the same inner (essential) reality; to be...
1266. diamerizo -- to distribute, to divide
... to divide NASB Word Usage distributing (1), divided (4), divided...among (1), divided
up...among themselves (2), dividing up...among (1), share (1),sharing (1...
3011. leitourgos -- a public servant, a minister, a servant
... 3010 (), and 3011 (). In the NT, it points to serving God in His sublime
"otherness" andsharing this with others. Word Origin from...
2567. kalodidaskalos -- a teacher of good
... 2567 (from 2570 , " good" and 1320 , "a teacher") -- properly, a teachersharing
what is honorable and noble -- literally, "a teacher of ."....
5461. photizo -- to shine, give light
... Cognate: 5461 (from 5457 , "light") -- properly, ; (figuratively) Godsharing ,
exposing and overcoming darkness -- like the ignorance (prejudice) caused by sin...
Library
The Statute of David for theSharing of the Spoil
... The Statute of David for theSharing of the Spoil. A Sermon (No.2208). Delivered
on Lord's-Day Morning, June 7th, 1891, by. CH SPURGEON,....
Sharing Christ's Life
...Sharing Christ's Life. A Sermon (No.3401). Published on Thursday, April 9th, 1914.
Delivered by. CH SPURGEON,. At [3]the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington....
He Prohibited the Christians from the Markets and from the...
... Book V. Chapter XVIII."He prohibited the Christians from the Markets and
from the Judicial Seats and fromSharing in Greek Education....
Whether Christ's Resurrection is the Cause of the Resurrection of...
... 1: Augustine says that the resurrection of souls is wrought by God's Substance,
as to participation, because souls become good and just bysharing in the...
He Explains the Phrase "The Lord Created Me," and the Argument...
... with another the essence of the Father, but becoming by generation glorious, yea,
the Lord of glory, and receiving glory from the Father, notsharing His glory...
John the Baptist --visit of Jesus to John, and his Abode in the...
... with skins or stuffs of camel's hair, having for food only locusts and wild
honey.[5] A certain number of disciples were grouped around him,sharing his life...
The Meal at Emmaus
... who He was; it was quite as natural that when He entered into the closer relationship
of sitting with the disciples at the table, andsharing their hospitality...
(On the Lord's Resurrection, ii. )
... believers in Him might find neither persecution intolerable, nor death terrible,
by the remembrance that there was no more doubt about theirsharing His glory...
Whether it is against the Natural Law to have Several Wives?
... Therefore, since jealousy is "love impatient ofsharing the beloved," it would seem
to be contrary to the natural law that several wives should share one...
The Sympathy of God
... form. (b) The mystery of God'ssharing our sorrows is explained in Him.... God.
Thatsharing our sorrows is the very heart of His work....
Thesaurus
Sharing (18 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Sharing (18 Occurrences). Acts 2:45 They sold their
possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need.
...Bless (174 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 1 Corinthians 10:16 The cup of blessing
which we bless, isn't it asharing of the blood of Christ?...
Isn't (154 Occurrences)
... (WEB). 1 Corinthians 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, isn't it
asharing of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break...
Dead (580 Occurrences)
... ie with a view to the resurrection of the dead?" and therefore tosharing in it
themselves (Canon Evans, Speaker's Comm., at the place); "that the death of...
Blessing (357 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 1 Corinthians 10:16 The cup of blessing
which we bless, isn't it asharing of the blood of Christ?...
Cup (86 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, isn't it asharing
of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, isn...
Sharon (9 Occurrences)
Break (257 Occurrences)
... (Root in WEY RSV NIV). 1 Corinthians 10:16 The cup of blessing which we
bless, isn't it asharing of the blood of Christ? The bread...
Vote (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 8:19 And more than that, he is the one who was chosen by the vote
of the Churches to travel with us,sharing our commission in the administration...
Neglect (19 Occurrences)
... (WEY NAS RSV). Hebrews 13:16 But don't forget to be doing good andsharing,
for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. (See NAS RSV)....
Resources
What does the Bible say about sharing? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the bad news / good news approach to sharing the gospel? | GotQuestions.orgHow do I share the gospel with a ______? | GotQuestions.orgSharing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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