JOY AND GENEROSITY
Opening Prayer
I am so thankful, Father, for the love you pour out in abundance for me and for the knowledge that you go before me in everything I do.
Read ACTS 2:37–47
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
The Fellowship of the Believers
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Who is the most joyful person you know? What about the most generous?The birth of the early church was explosive, but the literal heart of it was people who were ready to respond (v. 37). Repentance, baptism, and receiving the Spirit are closely linked in the New Testament. What stands out here is the expansive reach of Peter’s heart and vision. His horizon for the fulfillment of the promised outpouring of the Spirit stretches well beyond those in front of him—to future generations and far-off people groups (v. 39).
Like many things, an expansive heart starts at home. Luke’s snapshot of life among the young community of believers highlights not just the practicalities, but also the collective heart posture. Devotion and awe, compassion and generosity, gladness and sincerity—these all characterized the fledgling church. Overflowing in acts of worship and altruism, it’s no wonder that the attractive nature of their common life found them favored by the people. But perhaps the most important aspect of their fellowship was the simple fact that they were continuing together (v. 44). What about us? Do we have hearts postured toward togetherness? Our highly individualistic culture makes it hard to reach for and realize that kind of community, but how potent it is in contrast.
Apply
In your community of faith, where do you see people actually worshipping—growing and serving—together?
Closing prayer
Lord God, form in me a heart that is overflowing with joy and generosity and give me hands that are quick to act on that overflow.
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