This study is based on the thesis that local churches have to perform social responsibilities in the local community to fulfill their reason of existence, which is of salvation. The second chapter discusses the Biblical teachings and its actual reques...
This study is based on the thesis that local churches have to perform social responsibilities in the local community to fulfill their reason of existence, which is of salvation. The second chapter discusses the Biblical teachings and its actual requests on sharing found in the Old and New Testaments to verify that sharing in general social welfare had already been initiated in Biblical times. In the third chapter, the sharing motif is discussed as the roots of social welfare of the Church, with emphasis on the Gospel of Luke. In order to understand the teachings of Jesus on sharing, the issue of wealth and poverty, one of the major topics of Luke, is discussed, followed by Jesus’ view of property and the meaning of wealth and poverty in the Gospel of Luke. Finally, the true meaning of sharing proclaimed in the Gospel of Luke is discussed. The fourth chapter suggests why the modern Church shall practice social welfare by sharing and discusses how each individual and the Church shall practice sharing in everyday life and through Church activities.
The Gospel of Luke denotes the most important principle of practicing social welfare: that the true meaning of sharing is not just about material aid but comes from the love of life and soul. Jesus’ teachings on sharing are clear. Jesus is negative about wealth and property, but he clearly emphasizes that one can be a true neighbor of the local community and his true disciple when one renounces their wealth and shares it with the poor.
In this study, ‘sharing’ is God’s command that all local churches shall practice and the expression of neighborly love. Also, the Church’s social welfare in the local community is the ministry of faith and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Sharing is God’s will that is constantly demanded from those who follow Jesus Christ.