CWW Week 38 - Sharing - Day 5

Devotional: The Heart of Sharing

“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practise hospitality.” – Romans 12:13 (NIV)

There’s something deeply counter-cultural about sharing. In a world that often pushes us to accumulate more, protect what’s ours, and climb the ladder of success, Scripture invites us to do the opposite: to give, to open our hands, and to make room at the table.

Romans 12:13 is a simple but powerful verse tucked into a chapter that outlines how we, as followers of Christ, are to live in response to God’s mercy. It’s not just about believing in Jesus; it’s about embodying His love in practical, everyday ways. And one of the clearest expressions of that love is sharing—especially with those in need.

Sharing is More Than Just Giving

It’s easy to think of sharing in terms of giving away what we don’t need. The old jumper we no longer wear. A few spare coins for a fundraiser. Leftovers from last night’s dinner. And while these acts can be generous, Paul is calling us to something deeper.

To “share with the Lord’s people who are in need” means seeing the needs of others as our own. It’s not about charity from a distance but entering into relationship. It’s saying, “Your struggle matters to me. Your pain is my concern. Your need is not separate from my life—it’s part of it.”

This kind of sharing isn’t measured by the size of the gift but by the heart behind it. It’s costly. It might interrupt our plans, stretch our budget, or make us uncomfortable. But it’s in these moments we find Christ—right in the middle of the mess, calling us to respond with love.

Hospitality Is a Lifestyle, Not an Event

The second part of the verse says, “Practise hospitality.” In ancient times, hospitality wasn’t just about having mates over for dinner—it was an essential part of life. Travellers depended on the kindness of strangers. The early church met in homes, shared meals, and carried one another’s burdens. To be hospitable was to be open: with your home, your resources, your time, and your heart.

In Australia today, we might associate hospitality with entertaining. Clean house, good food, everything just so. But biblical hospitality goes much deeper. It means making room for others, especially those who can’t repay us. It’s opening our door to someone who’s lonely, inviting someone new into our circle, or being available for a chat when someone’s doing it tough.

Hospitality is less about perfection and more about presence. It’s not about putting on a show—it’s about showing up.

Jesus: The Ultimate Example of Sharing

When we look at Jesus, we see the ultimate model of sharing. He shared His time with the outcast, His meals with sinners, His power with the broken, and ultimately, His life with the world. He didn’t hold anything back—not even His own life.

And as followers of Christ, we’re called to live in that same spirit. We’re called to share—not out of guilt or obligation, but out of gratitude for what He’s done for us. We don’t give because we have extra. We give because He gave everything.

That’s why Paul includes this command in Romans 12, a chapter that begins with these words: “In view of God’s mercy, offer your bodies as a living sacrifice…” Sharing is part of our worship. It’s how we reflect God’s love to a hurting world.

Everyday Opportunities

You don’t have to wait for a big moment to live this out. There are opportunities every day:

• Is there someone at work who’s struggling? Maybe you can shout them a coffee or offer a listening ear.
• Do you know a single parent who could use a hand? Offering to babysit or drop off a meal could mean more than you know.
• Is there someone new at church or in your community? Invite them over for dinner or out for a walk.

The small, intentional choices we make can have eternal impact. You may not always see the fruit, but God does.

Questions

1. What resources—time, money, skills, or space—has God given me that I could use to bless others?
2. Am I willing to open my heart and home, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable? Why or why not?
3. How can I reflect Christ’s generosity in the way I live and give this week?

Prayer

Dear Lord, Papa God,

 Thank You for the mercy and grace You’ve poured out on me. Help me to live with open hands and an open heart. Teach me to see the needs around me and respond with love. May my home be a place of welcome, and my life a reflection of Your generosity. Fill me with Your Spirit so I can share not just what I have, but who I am—with those You bring into my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have a great day today with Jesus.

Graham Hood.