In a world where abundance abounds, why does inequality persist in the distribution of resources and power within our society? The act of sharing blessings is a fundamental tenet of Holy Scripture teachings on justice and love for our fellow human beings.
There have been many examples throughout history of monopolies and their impact on society. A notable instance of a monopoly in history is the Standard Oil Company, established during the late 1800’s, which held a dominant position in the American oil industry. It is worth noting that this monopoly had a significant impact on both the economy and society, resulting in increased prices for consumers and a lack of competition. The British granted the East India Company a monopoly on trade with India in the 17th century, which had a significant impact on the economy and society at the time. While these are only two instances, they serve as a testament to the extensive influence that monopolies can exert on the fabric of society.
(Proverbs 22:9) This passage emphasizes the importance of generosity and sharing with those in need, as it brings blessings to both the giver and the receiver. We should prioritize helping others and recognize the value of selflessness. (Luke 12:33) Tells us to sell possessions and give to the poor, as this will result in treasure in heaven. (Luke 10:30-37) Is a story that teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves, regardless of their background or circumstances. (Matthew 19:16-22) Is the story of the rich young ruler who asked Jesus; what must he do to inherit eternal life? When Jesus told him to sell his possessions and give to the poor, the young man went away sad because he was very wealthy. We are shown how difficult it is to give up material possessions, but are told how important it is to follow Jesus above all else.
Current worldly powers, like tech, financial, and pharmaceutical sectors have a Godly obligation to avert their trade from having a negative impact on society. To improve in the areas of truth, principles of fairness and justice, while leading in the gradual discontinuance of supply monopoly. It benefits creation that we promote friendly global competition of industry, and come to an agreement on a reasonable redistribution of wealth, to create a more just and equitable society.
When discussing monopolies, it is important to approach it with sensitivity and awareness of the various perspectives involved. Depending on where one sits at the table, loyalties and opinions may differ. With grace and humility, we must seek to understand and learn from all sides.
What is vital to humankind is that we seek God’s will in all things, and request HIS guidance through prayer.
Proverbs 22:9
New International Version
9 “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
Proverbs 22:9
King James Version
9 “He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.”
Proverbs 22:9
Living Bible
9 “Happy is the generous man, the one who feeds the poor.”
Luke 12:33
New International Version
33 “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.”
Luke 12:33
King James Version
33 “Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.”
Luke 12:33
Living Bible
33 “Sell what you have and give to those in need. This will fatten your purses in heaven! And the purses of heaven have no rips or holes in them. Your treasures there will never disappear; no thief can steal them; no moth can destroy them.”
Luke 10:30-37
New International Version
30 “In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” ”
Luke 10:30-37
King James Version
30 “And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.”
Luke 10:30-37
Living Bible
30 “Jesus replied with an illustration: “A Jew going on a trip from Jerusalem to Jericho was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes and money, and beat him up and left him lying half dead beside the road.
31 “By chance a Jewish priest came along; and when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. 32 A Jewish Temple-assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but then went on.
33 “But a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw him, he felt deep pity.34 Kneeling beside him the Samaritan soothed his wounds with medicine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his donkey and walked along beside him till they came to an inn, where he nursed him through the night. 35 The next day he handed the innkeeper two twenty-dollar bills and told him to take care of the man. ‘If his bill runs higher than that,’ he said, ‘I’ll pay the difference the next time I am here.’
36 “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the bandits’ victim?”
37 The man replied, “The one who showed him some pity.”
Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” ”
Matthew 19:16-22
New International Version
The Rich and the Kingdom of God
16 “Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”
17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”
18 “Which ones?” he inquired.
Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”
20 “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”
21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.”
Matthew 19:16-22
King James Version
16 “And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.”
Matthew 19:16-22
Living Bible
16 “Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Good master, what must I do to have eternal life?”
17 “When you call me good you are calling me God,” Jesus replied, “for God alone is truly good. But to answer your question, you can get to heaven if you keep the commandments.”
18 “Which ones?” the man asked.
And Jesus replied, “Don’t kill, don’t commit adultery, don’t steal, don’t lie, 19 honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself!”
20 “I’ve always obeyed every one of them,” the youth replied. “What else must I do?”
21 Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell everything you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 But when the young man heard this, he went away sadly, for he was very rich.”