Give Generously

All the believers were one in the heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. There were no needy persons among them. Acts 4:32,34 Differences of opinion are inevitable among human personalities and can actually be quite helpful, if handled well. Steady conflict between people, however, is not nearly as beneficial. Spiritual unity is essential among those you love the most - loyalty, commitment, and love for God and His Word. Without spiritual unity, the church cannot survive. It is no wonder that the global church is as fractured as it is today. Many people are more concerned about who believes what and which type of worship they provide rather than actually just helping people in need. None of these early Christians felt as if what they had was their own, and so they were able to give and to share, eliminating poverty among them. They would not let a brother or sister suffer when others had plenty. We must ask yourselves how we feel about her own possessions. Do we hold on with clenched fists and fear of losing them, or do we hold them loosely, ready to give them up easilty for those in greater need? We need to adopt the attitude that everything we have comes from God, and that we are only sharing what is already His. Heavenly Father, I thank you, Lord, for this day. I thank you for all the blessings that you have given me. I pray that you build within me a pure and generous heart. Help me to see the needs of those around me and give me the ability to fill those needs. Teach me what true unity is within my family and within my church. Bring your Church together right now, in the name of Jesus. Encourage us to become the power on earth that you created us to be. Let our faith soar today and everyday that we may move the mountains of poverty, hunger and strife that exist so prevalently in our society. Change us, O Lord, and do it quickly, I beg you. I pray in the name of our Lord Jesus. Amen. God Bless you, J.H.