Share with Those in Need

“He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.” – Ephesians 4:28 Father God, although this verse is simple and straightforward, may we gain some knowledge from it that prompts goodness in each of us. For you can use anything to teach us something new or remind us of what’s important. Alright friends, we have a very straightforward message for you today.

If you have stolen, stop it. This is the eighth commandment in Exodus 20:15: “You shall not steal.” The only part I want to expound upon a little in this day and age is clarifying “stealing.” It is the act or offense of taking another’s property without permission and with no intent to return it.

This includes intellectual and digital property, thoughts, ideas. Those things are less tangible, but still the property of others. I’ve seen people justify the taking because it is not a tactile thing and “They’ll never know” or “They have so much they’ll never miss it.”

That’s not the point. That is stealing and a sin. Stop it.

Instead, we must labor, working at something useful with our own hands. This means we cannot rely upon others for everything we need. We must do work ourselves. There is no clarification on what your job should be. You can do just about anything you have talent for where someone is willing to pay you. But it must be lawful, of course.

And remember, we talked about this a couple weeks ago. Everyone has been given unique gifts from God to bring Him glory and further His kingdom. You do have options that can bring you great joy.

Paul brings this point home with an often-repeated command from God, Jesus, and his disciples; you must help the poor. We are directly called to help them with what we produce and/or what we earn.

This isn’t just a command for those who have been stealing as a way of repenting. This is a command for all believers of Christ. This is a command for you and me.

We must do good work with our hands and then share with those in need.

So today I end with a simple challenge: go out and help those in need this week. Find a way to provide something of value to someone less fortunate than yourself. This could be time and conversation over a meal you’ve shared. This could be food for food pantry or clothes for a shelter. There are thousands of ways that you can give of the blessings God has given you.

Even when things are tight, there is still a command to give. So, give of your blessings, friends, then write to us and share how the experience went for you. We’d love to hear your stories of how God used your obedience. Spreading blessings with you, Marcie D