Sharing is a key theme throughout the Bible. God calls us to be generous with what we have been given and to care for others, especially the poor and needy. Here is an overview of some of the key Bible verses about sharing:
Genesis 1:26-28 teaches that God created humans in His image and gave them dominion over the earth. This implies a responsibility to steward resources wisely for the benefit of all.
Exodus 16:16-18 describes God providing manna for the Israelites in the wilderness. They were instructed to only gather what they needed so there would be enough for everyone.
Leviticus 19:9-10 commanded farmers to leave gleanings from their harvest for the poor to gather. This allowed the disadvantaged to provide for themselves.
Deuteronomy 15:7-11 urges God’s people to be openhanded toward the poor in their land. It says there will always be some in need and we should give generously.
Psalm 112:5-9 praises those who are gracious, compassionate and righteous. It says good will come to those who are generous.
Proverbs 3:27 instructs us not to withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in our power to act.
Proverbs 11:24-25 states that generous people will prosper while stingy people will come to poverty. It emphasizes bountiful sharing.
Proverbs 19:17 promises that lending to the poor is like lending to the Lord. He will repay our kindness.
Proverbs 22:9 blesses generous givers and says their generosity will be rewarded.
Proverbs 28:27 cautions that giving to the poor will lead to blessing while disregarding them will lead to poverty.
Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 encourages generosity because hard times may come. It urges investment in many ventures.
Isaiah 25:4 celebrates God as a refuge for the poor and needy in distress. He cares for the vulnerable.
Isaiah 58:7-11 emphasizes generosity to the hungry and oppressed. It promises blessing for obedient sharing.
Jeremiah 22:16 instructs the king to aid the poor and needy. Justice and righteousness are weightier than wealth.
Ezekiel 18:7-8 says a righteous person is just, returns collateral, gives food and clothing to the poor.
Amos 2:6-7 condemns Israel for oppressing the poor and failing to support the needy. Social justice is required.
Micah 6:8 emphasizes acting justly, loving mercy and walking humbly. Caring for others demonstrates love.
Zechariah 7:9-10 equates true fasting with acts of generosity and justice for the vulnerable.
Malachi 3:5 warns that God will be a swift witness against oppressors, those who deny wages, and push aside the needy.
Matthew 5:42 urges giving to anyone who asks. It emphasizes generosity and care for the needy.
Matthew 6:1-4 instructs us to give to the needy in secret. God will see and reward our generosity.
Matthew 19:16- 22 tells of Jesus advising the rich young ruler to sell his possessions and give to the poor.
Matthew 25:31-46 equates caring for the needy with caring for Jesus himself. Our generosity reflects our faith.
Mark 10:21-22 continues the passage of Jesus and the rich young ruler, emphasizing the importance of giving.
Mark 12:41-44 praises the widow who gave two small coins, because it represented tremendous generosity for her.
Luke 3:10-11 records John the Baptist advising the crowds to share tunics and food with those lacking.
Luke 6:30-38 commands giving to everyone who asks. It emphasizes loving enemies and lending without expecting repayment.
Luke 12:33-34 instructs us to be generous by providing purses that will not wear out. This investment in heaven has eternal rewards.
Luke 14:12-14 urges inviting the poor, crippled and lame to our feasts instead of our wealthy friends who can repay us.
Luke 18:18-25 repeats the passage about the rich young ruler, stating how hard it is for the wealthy to enter God’s kingdom.
Luke 19:8-9 tells of Zacchaeus giving half his possessions to the poor and repaying those he swindled. This reflected his repentance.
Acts 2:44-45 shows the early church sharing everything they had and distributing goods to any who were in need.
Acts 4:32-35 emphasizes the unity, generosity and lack of need in the early church because they held all possessions in common to share.
Acts 6:1-7 records the apostles appointing deacons to ensure fair distribution of food among Jewish and Greek widow groups.
Acts 9:36 introduces Tabitha, who was devoted to good works and acts of charity such as making robes and clothing for widows.
Acts 10:2, 4 commends the generosity of Cornelius who gave alms generously to those in need. His prayers were heard.
Acts 11:27-30 shows the early church in Antioch sending relief to brethren living in Judea during a severe famine.
Acts 20:35 quotes Jesus, saying it is more blessed to give than receive. Generosity was emphasized.
Acts 24:17 notes that Paul came to Jerusalem bringing alms for his nation and offerings, demonstrating his ongoing care.
Romans 12:13 instructs us to contribute to the needs of the saints and practice hospitality. Generosity is key.
1 Corinthians 13:3 states that giving away everything we have is meaningless unless done in love. Motives matter.
1 Corinthians 16:1-3 provides guidance for collection of funds to aid Christians suffering in Jerusalem. Giving should be orderly and as planned.
2 Corinthians 8:1-15 urges care for the poor, using the generous Macedonians as an example. We should give in proportion to what we have.
2 Corinthians 9:6-11 says that whoever sows generously will reap generously. God provides enough for us to give.
Galatians 2:9-10 notes that James, Peter and John requested Paul continue remembering the poor. This concern was ongoing.
Ephesians 4:28 commands thieves to work and share with those in need rather than stealing. Hard work should support generosity.
Philippians 4:14-19 commends the Philippians for generously supporting Paul and emphasizes God’s provision when we seek to care for others.
1 Timothy 5:3-16 provides guidance for caring for widows based on their circumstances. Family should provide but the church also cares.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 instructs the rich to be generous and ready to share, storing up treasure for the coming age by helping others.
Hebrews 13:1-3, 16 commands care for strangers and the imprisoned. Do not neglect to do good and share what you have.
James 1:27 defines true religion as caring for orphans and widows in their affliction and avoiding corruption.
James 2:2-7 condemns favoring the rich over the poor. Caring for the needy should be our priority as God’s people.
James 2:14-17 emphasizes that faith without works is useless. Faith is demonstrated through deeds of generosity.
1 Peter 4:9-10 teaches us to offer hospitality without complaining. Use our gifts to serve others.
1 John 3:16-18 defines love by Christ sacrificing himself for us. We must in turn give of our possessions to care for others in need.
In summary, the Bible consistently highlights acts of generosity, charity and care for the vulnerable as central virtues that define God’s people. We are urged to share what we have been given, whether money, possessions or abilities, with our neighbors. This reflects the character of our generous God. When we obey God’s call to share with those in need, we store up eternal treasure in heaven.
