Acts 4 and sharing with others: Providing benevolence (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. Now the number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them…Acts 4:31-34a
“And (Jesus) answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” Luke 3:11
They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share. 1 Tim 6:81
Observation: When it comes to giving, I think I remember all the scriptures about tithing and offerings and the like. What I don’t remember often enough is sharing the blessing of abundance with others.
Analysis: It occurs to me there is opportunity in this time of Covid-19.
I say that like a light just popped on; you know, like the cartoon light bulb that just “appears” and indicates “Wow, I didn’t think of that before.”
Fact is, opportunity to share (especially financial stuff) faces me every day.
Without belaboring any point, within our local church there are friends and acquaintances in some sort of need. Sometimes it isn’t need (like the power is about to turn off) but is some other kind of need. Today, there is financial need.
What is to be done? Answer: Seek God.
Simple enough. Who should? Answer: the face in the mirror.
Among this local church there may be folks that God has richly blessed and have in abundance. There may be those who are like the widow with 2 pennies at the temple.
Seeking God is to remember that all I have is His, what does He want me to do with it—and ask to be shown what to do.
This post isn’t to shame into obedience; far from it—it is to encourage folks to start thinking, praying, and asking the Holy Spirit to kick our backsides into gear.
We must start somewhere. If the face in the mirror is talking back with an objective, check out one of our friendly neighborhood elders or deacon and execute.
Benevolence doesn’t have to be big, it just needs to be in obedient faith.
Hammer point: Down and dirty: if there is $5 or $10 just laying around doing nothing, call the Office and invest it into the Kingdom. Goodness gracious though, don’t be an Ananias and Sapphira while considering what to do.
Prayer: Father, those who have ears to hear, let them hear. No condemnation to any; I pray for folks to not pay attention to and resist the deceiver. Grant us baby steps in practicing faithfulness. AMEN