30+ Bible Verses About Sharing (with Explanation)

Proverbs 11:25 (ESV)

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

In Proverbs 11:25, we find a profound truth about the act of sharing. The verse emphasizes the reciprocal nature of generosity. The Bible teaches that when we willingly share what we have with others, not only do we contribute to the well-being of those around us, but we also set in motion a cycle of blessing for ourselves.

The act of refreshing others is likened to a source of personal refreshment, highlighting the spiritual principle that generosity begets prosperity. This verse encourages us to cultivate a generous spirit, recognizing that the blessings we share will ultimately return to enrich our own lives.

 Luke 6:38 (NIV)

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Luke 6:38 presents a principle of divine reciprocity in the realm of giving. The imagery of a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over conveys the abundance that flows back to those who give generously.

This verse challenges us not only to share but to do so with a spirit of abundance and overflow. The measure with which we give becomes the measure of blessing we receive. The essence of this teaching lies in the understanding that generosity is not just a transaction; it’s a spiritual principle that activates a flow of blessings both to the giver and, ultimately, to the community around them.

Acts 20:35 (ESV)

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”

In Acts 20:35, the Apostle Paul quotes the words of Jesus, underscoring the inherent joy and blessing found in giving. This verse challenges societal norms that often emphasize the accumulation of possessions and personal gain.

Instead, it redirects our focus to the joy and blessing found in selfless acts of generosity. By helping the weak and embracing the principle of giving over receiving, we align ourselves with the teachings of Jesus and experience the profound truth that true happiness is found in giving to others.

 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul encourages a cheerful and willing attitude towards giving. The emphasis here is on the motivation behind our acts of sharing. It reminds us that God is not interested in forced or reluctant giving but desires a heart that freely chooses to share with others.

This verse invites believers to engage in a thoughtful and intentional approach to generosity, recognizing that the attitude with which we give is as important as the act itself. A cheerful giver reflects the joyous and grateful heart that understands the privilege of participating in God’s work through sharing.

Hebrews 13:16 (ESV)

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Hebrews 13:16 exhorts believers to intertwine goodness and sharing as offerings that please God. This verse extends the concept of sharing beyond mere material possessions, emphasizing the broader spectrum of sharing our time, talents, and compassion.

The act of sharing is presented as a sacrifice that holds spiritual significance. By engaging in acts of kindness and sharing, believers express their devotion to God and demonstrate the transformative power of love in action. This verse challenges us to view sharing not only as a duty but as a joyful and pleasing expression of our faith.

Matthew 5:42 (NIV)

Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Matthew 5:42 encapsulates Jesus’ teaching on radical generosity. The directive to give to those who ask challenges conventional wisdom and societal norms. It encourages a spirit of openness and responsiveness to the needs of others.

This verse goes beyond calculated generosity, urging believers to extend kindness even when it may seem inconvenient or unconventional. It embodies the selfless love that characterizes the Kingdom of God, reminding us that our resources are ultimately a means to express God’s love to those around us.

 Galatians 6:2 (ESV)

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2 underscores the communal aspect of sharing within the Christian community. Sharing goes beyond material possessions; it includes the willingness to support and uplift one another in times of need.

This verse portrays a beautiful picture of mutual care and interconnectedness among believers. By bearing each other’s burdens, we not only fulfill the law of Christ, which is love, but we also create a community where individuals are strengthened by the shared support of their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

 1 Timothy 6:18 (NIV)

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

In 1 Timothy 6:18, Paul provides instructions on how believers should approach wealth. The emphasis is not on accumulating riches for personal gain but on being rich in good deeds and generous in sharing.

This verse challenges the notion that wealth is solely for individual prosperity and highlights the responsibility of the affluent to actively engage in acts of kindness and generosity. It reinforces the idea that material abundance is a platform for benevolence and a means to positively impact the lives of others.

 Proverbs 22:9 (ESV)

Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.

Proverbs 22:9 introduces the concept of a “bountiful eye,” symbolizing a perspective that seeks opportunities to share with the less fortunate. The verse associates this mindset with blessings, implying that those who cultivate a generous outlook will experience divine favor.

This proverb challenges individuals to broaden their vision beyond personal needs, recognizing the fulfillment and blessing that come from sharing resources, particularly with those in need.

Romans 12:13 (NIV)

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Romans 12:13 links the act of sharing with practicing hospitality. It encourages believers to extend generosity not only within their close circles but also to the wider community of faith.

The verse underscores the interconnectedness of the body of Christ and the responsibility to care for fellow believers in times of need. By combining sharing with hospitality, the verse emphasizes the relational aspect of generosity, fostering a sense of community and mutual support among believers.

James 2:15-16 (NIV)

Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?

James 2:15-16 challenges believers to move beyond mere words of comfort to practical expressions of love. The passage vividly illustrates the inadequacy of empty platitudes when faced with the tangible needs of others.

It emphasizes the importance of action, imploring believers to actively participate in meeting the physical needs of those around them. This teaching echoes the sentiment that genuine sharing involves a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others through tangible, compassionate deeds.

 Luke 3:11 (ESV)

And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”

In Luke 3:11, John the Baptist provides a straightforward directive on sharing material resources. The emphasis is on simplicity and practicality—those with extra clothing or food are instructed to share with those who lack.

This verse reflects a call to examine our possessions and recognize the potential to bless others through the sharing of basic necessities. It encapsulates the timeless principle that genuine generosity often starts with small, everyday acts of kindness.

 1 Peter 4:9 (NIV)

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

1 Peter 4:9 extends the concept of sharing to the practice of hospitality. The verse not only emphasizes the importance of opening one’s home to others but underscores the significance of doing so willingly and cheerfully.

Hospitality, in this context, is portrayed as an extension of love and generosity, challenging believers to cultivate a welcoming spirit. The absence of grumbling highlights the transformative power of a joyful heart in turning routine acts into meaningful expressions of care and shared community.

Matthew 10:8b (ESV)

Freely you have received; freely give.

Matthew 10:8b serves as a concise reminder of the foundational principle of sharing. It echoes the idea that the blessings and gifts we have received from God are not meant to be hoarded but freely given to others.

This verse encapsulates the cyclical nature of generosity, emphasizing that as recipients of God’s grace, we are called to be conduits of that grace to others. It challenges believers to recognize the abundance of what they have received and respond with a generous and open-handed spirit.

 2 Corinthians 8:14 (NIV)

At the present time, your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality.

2 Corinthians 8:14 introduces the concept of mutual support and equality in sharing. This verse envisions a harmonious interdependence within the community of believers.

It challenges the notion of self-sufficiency, emphasizing that the abundance of some can meet the needs of others, creating a reciprocal relationship that fosters a sense of unity and shared responsibility. The goal of equality underscores the biblical principle that sharing is not just an individual virtue but a communal expression of love and care.

Luke 12:33 (ESV)

Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.

Luke 12:33 challenges believers to reassess their relationship with material possessions. The directive to sell possessions and give to the needy underscores the radical nature of discipleship. This verse calls for a detachment from earthly treasures in favor of investing in eternal, heavenly riches through acts of generosity.

It serves as a poignant reminder that the pursuit of true wealth involves prioritizing the needs of others over the accumulation of material wealth.

Proverbs 28:27 (NIV)

Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.

Proverbs 28:27 contrasts the outcomes of generosity and indifference towards the poor. The verse implies that those who engage in acts of kindness, especially towards the less fortunate, experience a sense of abundance in their lives. Conversely, closing one’s eyes to the needs of the poor is associated with negative consequences.

This proverb reinforces the idea that sharing is not only a moral duty but a pathway to blessings and favor from God.

 Luke 14:13-14 (ESV)

But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.

In Luke 14:13-14, Jesus challenges conventional notions of hospitality by encouraging believers to extend their generosity to those who cannot reciprocate. The promise of future repayment at the resurrection of the just reinforces the eternal perspective of sharing.

This passage invites believers to view acts of kindness as investments in the kingdom of God, emphasizing the selfless and sacrificial nature of sharing.

 1 John 4:11 (NIV)

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

1 John 4:11 serves as a foundational principle for the Christian life—love as a response to God’s love. The verse establishes a connection between God’s love for us and our responsibility to love one another.

In the context of sharing, this love is expressed through acts of generosity and compassion. It underscores the idea that our capacity to share is intimately tied to our understanding and experience of God’s love.

Romans 15:1 (NIV)

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.

Romans 15:1 emphasizes the responsibility of the strong to support the weak. In the context of sharing, this verse challenges those with abundance—whether in strength, resources, or knowledge—to bear with and uplift those who are in need.

It fosters a sense of community where sharing is not only an individual virtue but a collective effort to ensure the well-being of every member.

Galatians 6:10 (NIV)

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Galatians 6:10 encourages believers to seize every opportunity to do good, extending kindness to all people but particularly emphasizing the importance of caring for fellow members of the faith community.

This verse reinforces the interconnectedness of believers and highlights the significance of sharing within the family of believers. It serves as a reminder that acts of generosity contribute to the strength and unity of the broader community of faith.

Acts 4:32 (ESV)

Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.

Acts 4:32 paints a vivid picture of the early Christian community where believers shared their possessions so completely that there was a sense of common ownership.

This verse captures the radical nature of sharing within the context of a community committed to the teachings of Jesus. It challenges contemporary notions of ownership and individualism, underscoring the transformative power of a community united by a shared commitment to love and generosity.

Proverbs 14:21 (NIV)

Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.

Proverbs 14:21 draws a connection between attitudes toward neighbors and generosity. The verse implies that a disdainful or indifferent attitude towards others is antithetical to a generous spirit. On the contrary, blessings are associated with generosity toward the poor.

This proverb underscores the moral and spiritual implications of sharing, emphasizing that our interactions with others should be marked by kindness and compassion.

Matthew 25:35-36 (ESV)

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.

Matthew 25:35-36 presents a powerful depiction of the impact of sharing in the parable of the sheep and the goats. Jesus associates acts of generosity with personal care for Him, emphasizing the deep spiritual significance of sharing with those in need.

This passage challenges believers to recognize the presence of Christ in the marginalized and highlights the transformative power of compassionate actions.

Psalm 41:1 (NIV)

Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble.

Psalm 41:1 links the act of having regard for the weak with divine blessing and deliverance. This verse encourages believers to be attentive to the needs of the vulnerable, promising that those who extend care will themselves find support in times of trouble.

It echoes the principle of reaping what is sown, emphasizing that a compassionate and sharing heart is met with blessings from the Lord.

Also Read: Bible Verses About Seed (with Explanation)

What Does the Bible Say About Sharing

Generosity and Open-handedness: Proverbs 11:25 (ESV) A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

This verse encourages a generous and open-handed attitude, suggesting that those who willingly share and refresh others will themselves experience prosperity.

Reciprocity and Divine Blessing: Luke 6:38 (NIV) Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

This verse establishes a principle of reciprocity in giving, indicating that the manner and measure with which we share will determine the blessings we receive in return.

Christ’s Example of Giving: Acts 20:35 (ESV) In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”

The Apostle Paul references Jesus’ teaching, emphasizing the blessedness found in giving. It underscores the selfless nature of sharing, following Christ’s example.

A Prayer for a Generous Heart

Heavenly Father,

We come before you with gratitude for the countless blessings you have bestowed upon us. Thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, whose life exemplified the spirit of generosity and selflessness.

As we reflect on your Word and the teachings about sharing, we ask for your guidance in cultivating a generous heart. Instill in us a genuine desire to share our time, resources, and love with those in need. May our actions be a reflection of your love working through us.

We surrender our hearts to you, Lord, asking for your transformative power to mold us into vessels of your grace. May our lives be a testimony to the abundant blessings that flow from a heart committed to sharing.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.