We are Called to Share with the Poor from Our Excess

“He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.”
                                  Luke 3:11 (KJV)



 

Hi friends,
     How are you?  Not long ago, I wrote another post on sharing.  You can read it here.  That post was focused on how we sometimes tend to confuse “needs” and “wants”.  Today’s post is about sharing, but with the focus on sharing from our excess.

    In Luke 3:11 (KJV), it says, “He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; an the that hath meat, let him do likewise.”  Here, John the Baptist is answering a question people have asked about what they must do.  As we can see, the message is that we should give from our excess to those who don’t have all the necessities in life.

     I believe the word “meat” doesn’t just refer to meat, but to all food and drink.  John is talking about food that is a necessity.  We need food and drink in order to live.  It may be the same with “coats”.  John may not be just talking about coats, but all necessary clothing.  Clothing is a necessity as well.
 
     Luke 3:11 reminds me of Matthew 19:21 (KJV) which says, “Jesus said unto him, If those wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.”  Jesus’ answer maybe a little more drastic, but the message to be compassionate and giving to the poor is still the same. 

     One might ask, “Why doesn’t John tell people the same as Jesus did?”  I believe there a couple of reasons.  The first is that Jesus hadn’t yet started His ministry in the times of when John was speaking in Luke 3:11.  I believe the second reason is that God likes to tell us things in baby steps as to not overwhelm us and so we can understand.  People who came to John might not have been ready to hear that they must sell everything.  God may have thought that they were only ready to hear that they must share from their excess.

     I don’t know about you, but Luke 3:11 inspires me to think about what I have and what I give or don’t give.  It gets me to thinking about how many of us have more coats and more clothes than they could possibly need and others don’t have all the necessities in life.  Another thing I think about is that there is no mention of being asked by the poor for anything, only mention of giving to the poor.  We are called to lovingly, graciously, and compassionately give to the poor out of excess in daily living necessities.  We are called to take the initiative to ensure the poor at least have the necessities in life.  What do you think about in reading Luke 3:11?

     Do you think about how many pieces of clothing you have and how many people could use even one?  Do you think of how much food you have and how much gets wasted while others struggle to fine any?  Does your heart go out to those who struggle to just get the necessities in life?  Do you even think about what that might feel like?

     I pray that you are blessed by Luke 3:11 to reflect on what you have or need and what you can do to help those less fortunate.  I pray we all take that time to not only reflect, but to do something about it, to compassionately and joyously give.
 
 
Heavenly Father,
     Thank you for your Holy Word.  Thank you for caring for all your children, those who have as well as those who have not.  Thank you for teaching us to give and share with others.  Help us to be, not only obedient to your Holy Word, and give to others, but to give well with a loving and compassionate heart.  I ask you this through your Son, Jesus.  Amen.
 
  *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     
Reflective questions for Luke 3:11 (KJV):
*What does Luke 3:11 mean to me?
*Does Luke 3:11 inspire me to reflect on what I have and what I share?
*Do I have more food or clothing than I need?
*Do I have more possessions and money than I need?
*Do I share with the poor and those in need?

Now, it is your turn.
     I am so thankful that you are here.  I enjoy sharing my faith and my thoughts with you.  I encourage you to read God's Word and grow in your own faith.  I welcome any comments and ideas you may have so that we can all be encouraged and grow in our faith. 

     If you are finding value in the Faith Blog by DUO Inspirations, please share it with others.  Encourage others to read God's Word and grow in their faith as well.  And, if you haven't done so already, please consider signing up below to receive the Faith Blog by DUO Inspirations and other faith content in your inbox.
 
 

---