“Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” – John 6:12
The Importance of Sharing with Others
When we think about hoarding food, we must remember the importance of sharing with those around us. Throughout the Bible, we are encouraged to be generous and to care for one another. As a community of believers, we understand that we have a responsibility to help those in need. Instead of gathering more than we need, we should consider how we can distribute our resources to bless others. Sharing not only helps to build our relationships with each other but also reflects the heart of Jesus, who called us to serve.
Matthew 25:35
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” – Matthew 25:35
Luke 3:11
“John answered, ‘Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.'” – Luke 3:11
James 2:15-16
“Suppose a brother or 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
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” – Proverbs 19:17
Acts 2:44-45
“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” – Acts 2:44-45
The Dangers of Greed and Hoarding
Hoarding food can be a sign of greed, and the Bible warns us against such behavior. We are reminded that God provides for our needs, and our focus should not solely be on accumulating more than we need. Instead, we should trust in God’s provision and generously share with others. By hoarding, we not only limit our ability to help those in need, but we also risk losing sight of what is truly important in life—our relationships with God and others.
Luke 12:15
“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.'” – Luke 12:15
Proverbs 28:22
“The stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them.” – Proverbs 28:22
1 Timothy 6:9-10
“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” – 1 Timothy 6:9-10
Ecclesiastes 5:10
“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.” – Ecclesiastes 5:10
Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:19-21
The Call for Contentment
In the face of hoarding, the Bible calls us to be content with what we possess. Contentment does not derive from accumulating wealth or resources but from recognizing the blessings we currently have. We can cultivate gratitude for what God has already provided rather than continuously seeking more. When we develop an attitude of contentment, our focus shifts away from our possessions and towards fulfilling God’s will in our lives.
Philippians 4:11-12
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.” – Philippians 4:11-12
Hebrews 13:5
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'” – Hebrews 13:5
1 Timothy 6:6
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” – 1 Timothy 6:6
Proverbs 30:8-9
“Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” – Proverbs 30:8-9
Matthew 6:25
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” – Matthew 6:25
Generosity is at the heart of our faith. As we aim to avoid hoarding food, we should focus instead on giving freely of what we have. God does not desire for us to hoard but to cultivate a spirit of generosity. When we give, we reflect God’s love and His grace in our lives. It is through generosity that we can bless those around us, share in abundance, and live out our faith in tangible, powerful ways.
2 Corinthians 9:7
“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.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25
Luke 6:38
“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
Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” – Acts 20:35
Isaiah 58:10
“And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” – Isaiah 58:10
Trusting in God’s provision can help us overcome our instincts to hoard food. The Bible consistently reminds us that God knows our needs and will provide for them. Rather than worrying about our material needs, we can find peace in knowing that our Heavenly Father cares for us. By entrusting our provisions to Him, we cultivate a spirit of dependence on God, which allows us to share graciously and live free from the burdens of scarcity.
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Psalms 37:25
“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread.” – Psalms 37:25
Matthew 6:30
“If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?” – Matthew 6:30
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
Matthew 14:16
“Jesus replied, ‘They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.'” – Matthew 14:16
As we discuss hoarding food, it’s essential to remind ourselves of the abundance of God’s grace. Our God is a generous God, and He blesses us with more than we need. We can trust that God provides and that He wants us to embrace His abundant grace in our lives. By remaining open to His gifts, including food and resources, we can avoid the temptation to hoard and instead experience the joy of sharing and giving.
2 Corinthians 9:8
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8
John 10:10
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10
Psalms 23:1-2
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.” – Psalms 23:1-2
James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17
Ephesians 3:20
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” – Ephesians 3:20
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the idea of hoarding food, it becomes clear that our actions should reflect a spirit of generosity. We are called to help those around us, trusting in God’s promises to provide for our needs. When we share what we have and embrace a life of contentment, we open ourselves to experiencing the fullness of blessings that God offers. It is through sharing and trusting in God’s provision that we can witness the joy that comes from living in accordance with His will.
Let us strive for contentment, embracing the call to generosity while focusing upon the grace provided to us. We are reminded that God desires to bless us abundantly, and we should not hesitate to share those blessings. Together, we can bind our hearts to His purpose and care passionately for others.
If you are interested in diving deeper, feel free to explore topics on gathering to eat or frugality. Together in Christ, we can grow and learn how to live abundantly and lovingly.