“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.” (Acts 4:32 NIV)
Sharing creates unity. The people in today’s verse are the first church. They listened to Peter and John share the gospel. The group prayed the Believer’s prayer, God filled them with the Holy Spirit. The young congregation were of one heart and mind. Praying united them. Because of their unity, they didn’t consider their possessions their own. Instead, they pooled their material things with each other. People who had abundance, provided for those who didn’t. Sharing creates unity.
Sharing creates unity.
Liberty Healthshare is an example of this verse in today’s world. My husband and I joined this non-profit organization a few years ago. Both of us are self-employed. Our health care costs rose to where we couldn’t afford the premium. On a cruise for my husband’s 50th birthday we met a family who told us about Liberty. We came home, did the research and made the decision to join. We haven’t looked back. Each month we contribute our share to the co-op. Those who have bills receive the contribution. When we incur medical bills, they are likewise shared with the community. We are one body with the other members. We share with them, they share with us. We’re sharing God’s goodness:
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17 NIV)
Understanding that all we have comes from God makes sharing easier. Our possessions aren’t truly ours. They are gifts from God, on loan during our time here on earth. What we do with God’s gifts is our gift to Him.
When we tithe, we’re uniting ourselves with our local church. We’re investing in the lives of the people who attend. During the pandemic, a large percentage of people stopped giving to their churches. Unemployment is at an all time high. Larger churches like Life Church in Oklahoma are helping small churches survive. More than ever, Christ followers are banning together as one. Sharing unifies us.
What are you to share? Whatever you have:
“They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything–all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:44 NIV)
Jesus is watching the crowd in the temple give. The wealthy gave from their wealth. The poor widow gave everything. She gave her heart, her soul and her possessions, two coins, to Jesus. The amount isn’t as important as the intent to Jesus. He created us to unite with others. Share your heart with Jesus, become one with His body.
Question of the Day:
What can you share with others today?
Further Reading: 1 Kings 1:1-53 NIV, Acts 4:1-37 NIV, Psalm 124:1-8 NIV, Proverbs 16:24 NIV
