Our theme for this month: “Take Care of Each Other”
Our Bible verse for today: “Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need.” Acts 2:44-45 (CSB)
Our thought for today: “Be quick to help other Christians in need.”
In yesterday’s devotional I wrote of how the early church in the book of Acts was known for the love and care that the members expressed for each other, and how that then became a catalyst for the Gospel. Others in the community noticed how they cared for each other, and they were attracted to it. Ultimately many of those people came to faith in Jesus as well. Today’s Bible passage tells a little of that story.
Now let me be quick to point out that what’s being described in Acts 2:44-45 was not socialism. In socialism the government takes from those who have and gives to those who have not. It’s not voluntary generosity on the parts of those who have. Instead it is heavy-handed government intervention forcing a transfer of wealth. That’s not what was happening in the early church. Instead, out of deep sense of caring and compassion, those believers willingly and joyfully shared some of what they had with others who were in need.
Also, the passage does not say that they sold “all” of their possessions, or that they gave “everything” they had. It simply says that they sold possessions and property so they could then use the proceeds to bless others in need. And they did it voluntarily. They did it because they wanted to. They did it because it was a joy for them to be able to bless others.
I have the great privilege of being associated with two modern-day churches that are like that. Oak Hill Baptist is the church I am the Pastor of, and New Beginnings Church in the coal-mining region of eastern Kentucky is a partner church of ours. In both cases the members of those churches practice the kind of compassionate and generous caring and sharing that we read about in the early church in Acts. If a member of either of those churches is suffering, or struggling, or in need, they will quickly be surrounded by other members who will help them, share with them, and walk through the difficult time with them. That’s exactly how it’s supposed to be.
I want to encourage you to pay attention and to be sensitive to the things your brothers and sisters in Christ are dealing with. Then be quick to offer them help. God’s answers to people’s prayers are usually delivered through other people. If you are willing, God will use you to be the answer to someone else’s prayer.
Oak Hill Baptist Church