Grace to Give

Text: Acts 4:32-37
Theme: God gives grace to those who give and so they can give.
Key verses: “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify…and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. From time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money…and it was distributed to anyone as he had need” (v. 32-35).
What God said to me: This is the picture of peace and life among my church that I envisioned from the beginning. Dwayne, you don’t deserve anything you have. It all comes from me and still belongs to me. Those early believers understood that. They were not dictated and driven by greed or selfishness or fear. They didn’t try to hoard up a lot of money for a rainy day, while they fellow brothers remained in dire need. As people had need, the need was met–not by some government agency or by a non-believer, but through my saints. And as they blessed others, they themselves were blessed and all their needs were met. You can’t outgive me period. Now mind you, this wasn’t socialism in any form. There were still “rich” people and middle class people and even poorer people among them. But no one went hungry and no one went without what they really needed. Who are you helping today?
What I said to God: Lord, I submit to your reminder to keep my hands open and to look around for those I can share with in our Church family. I don’t have much, but what I have is more than I need to help someone else. Please grant me grace to follow through and trust you.