Convicted to Share; the Need for A Theological Reflection
- July 19, 2019
- Posted by: RSIS
- Category: Social Science
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue VII, July 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186
Convicted to Share; the Need for A Theological Reflection
Ven. Dr. Manya Wandefu Stephen
Alupe University College, Kenya
Abstract:-Sharing among believers is an expression of adherence and response to the truths shared in the Bible. This article aims to encourage believers to do a soul searching exercise before engaging in the practice of sharing among themselves. A thorough biblical reflection will provide the foundation which Christian giving is based. What believers should understand is that giving is part of the Christian act of mercy and as such it needs to be encouraged among them. Within the Christendom sharing increases unity, love for each other, and meeting of each other’s needs and priory focus of what eternity is likely mirrored. Convinced of this truth, this paper is a follow up of what I wrote about, “will Christians ever balance – the urban rich and poor?”
Key terms: Share, Reflection, Theology, hermeneutics, Church Pedagogy
I. INTRODUCTION
The words of Jesus Christ to the followers that “the poor you will always have” (Matt. 26:11) , did not negate the need to transform the poor so as to help them enjoy the good of the land. The Bible indicates a preferential treatment to the poor. However, because of the same forces that have seen the gap between the rich and the poor continue to grow, churches have found themselves entangled by the same forces. There is need for both the rich and the poor churches to collaborate in sharing what each has to the benefit of the Kingdom of God. Anglican Churches in Nairobi city must lead by example the call of Jesus Christ to remain one socially, economically and spiritually. Any dichotomy of any kind is highly regretted and seen as a form of dualistic.
Church which is made up of Christians who gather together and who share common creed is called upon to live out kingdom values. The values must be those which are expressed in the Bible yet this aspect poses a paradox when the same kingdom seems divided.
Christian history especially at the first century, indicates a challenge to the present church both rich and the poor to live to the ethos shared by Jesus Christ who at the inauguration of his ministry, citing from Isaiah 61:1-2, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor” and stating that this scripture was now being fulfilled.
