Daily Devotion: A Generous Heart

Scripture:
Acts 4: 32-27

Main Verse:
Acts 4: 34-35
There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

Observation:
After the apostles received the Holy Spirit, they did many things that no ordinary person could do. They received power to preach the Gospel, to speak in tongues, and to heal the sick, and their bond between brothers and sisters in Christ grew stronger. They did not care about their earthly possessions. All that mattered to them was their burning desire to preach the Good News to everyone, so they sold their possessions in order to support the needs of every disciple. What's interesting to note here is that the disciples, followers, and members were not only being generous. They were all united, one in Spirit, about the needs of their growing church.

Application:
I admire the generous hearts of the early Christians. I believe that these believers were not all wealthy but they had the heart to share whatever they had so that the disciples and the church can continue to grow. Their generosity is not the only thing that was admirable. They were also united. They were acting as a community of believers. The believers had the spirit of giving and were unified because "God's grace was powerfully at work in them" (Acts 4: 33). As believers and as one church, we can also do this! Now, we don't have to literally copy what the early church did as regards their possession, but I believe that as members of a church, we have a responsibility to take care of the needs of every church member. Our earthly possessions, our wealth, our money won't matter anymore when the Lord comes, so let us be good stewards of the treasures that God has given to us.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for your grace and for my brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you for pastors and church workers who continue to offer their time and talents in serving you and the church. Lord, let me have a generous heart, a heart that is sensitive to the needs of the brethren. Use whatever possessions I have so that your Kingdom here on earth may continue to grow. AMEN.