Share What You Have

For here we have no lasting city, but we seek a city that is to come… Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. — Hebrews 13:14,16

One of the heroes of the New Testament is Barnabas. His story is found in the early chapters of the Book of Acts, where he was known as a generous man who delighted in encouraging other people. He demonstrated these traits by being the first to welcome the Apostle Paul after his dramatic conversion to Christ and then vouching for him before the brothers in Jerusalem. In many ways, he was the epitome of Hebrews 13:14-16. His commitment to the eternal city of God oriented his life away from this present age to the one to come. In hope, he lived open-handedly (Acts 4:36-37) and sought to encourage his brothers and sisters in the faith. 

Hebrews 13:14-16 makes it clear that doing good to one another includes both words and actions: “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” This means that living a life of love for God comprises both encouraging words and generous actions. God’s love compels us to care for others with what He has entrusted to us, reflecting His kindness in real, tangible ways. Whether through meeting needs, offering encouragement, or sharing resources, these acts become spiritual sacrifices that honor Christ. Living open-handed in a world obsessed with possessions and self-interest powerfully demonstrates our faith and the reality that our treasure is stored in our heavenly home. Be like Barnabas this week and look for opportunities to be generous.

Prayer: Good and Gracious Lord, You call me to show Your love to others by my words and my actions. I struggle to do it. Forgive me, in Your grace, and empower me to speak kindly to others as I offer myself to them in service. 

Reflection Questions: 

1. How can you be more intentional about offering “a sacrifice of praise” through your words each day? 
2. In what ways might you be tempted to withhold generosity, and how does this passage challenge that? 

Weekly Memory Verse: For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. — 1 John 5:3