2 Corinthians 9:6-8 | Philippians 2:3-4 | Hebrews 13:16
Don’t be scared…share your snacks!
Sometimes it is hard to share your stuff. What if you run out of stuff before you yourself get enough stuff…and stuff? That’s the stuff of nightmares!
That was the fear that held Quinn–and his fruit snacks–in its terrible grip. But giving is like planting seeds. It grows the kind of generosity that comes back to you. And according to the Apostle Paul, the more you plant, the more you gather.
Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.
2 Corinthians 9:6 NLT
Paul takes this point further, reassuring us that God blesses our generosity with his abundance. When we share with others, He gives us enough to keep sharing!
“For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
2 Corinthians 9:7b-8 NLT
You may not suffer, as Quinn does, from a gripping fear of sharing your snacks. Maybe you just kind of…forget to consider the needs of other people. Paul weighs in on that, too, in his letter to the Believers in Ephesus.
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Philippians 2:3-4 NLT
Paul’s “Don’t be selfish” sounds kind of harsh, doesn’t it? But have you ever been at a friend’s place, and they made a sandwich, then sliced it in half…and ate both halves? Wouldn’t it be rude to go to the fridge without offering your friend something as well?
And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.
Hebrews 13:16 NLT
Don’t let anyone call you selfish… At least, no one you don’t know and trust. Just follow Paul’s advice, and think about the needs of others as well as yourself. And don’t be afraid to share your snacks!
Questions for Group Discussion
- You know that we are not just talking about snacks, right? How far does this call to generosity go? Does it go beyond sharing with your Christian brothers and sisters?
- Be honest–have you ever been afraid to share? If so, was it because you were not sure you had enough?
- Recall a time when you realized you should have planned to share. Alternatively, recall a time when you realized you had been inconsiderate of others’ needs.
- Is it okay to share out of guilt? Why would it make a difference? Isn’t it enough that you share, regardless of motive?
Challenge: Do it on Purpose
Sometimes to keep your skills sharp, you have to practice. That’s what this challenge is all about.
You are going to set up an opportunity to “share your snacks” on purpose.
- Decide on an occasion when you might have an opportunity to bring enough of something to share with the whole group.
- Don’t pick a wedding...or a funeral, for that matter. You don’t want to draw any attention away from where it needs to be.
- If you have a regular gathering–youth group, Bible study, study group, sports practice, etc.–pick one of those.
- Think of something you could bring to share with the group–it does not have to be food! It could be anything. Get creative! Ask questions like “What would they enjoy?” and “What do they need?”
- Have fun!
