Thursday April 5th, 2018 Acts 4:32-35
They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. (verse 35)
Today’s description of the early church sounds perfect, doesn’t it? Those who had means gave generously (to put it mildly), and those in need received. How often do we read such passages and sigh to ourselves, “Why isn’t our congregation more like this?”
You are not alone. In our society, the majority of people feel inadequate unless they are able to accumulate more and more. Unfortunately, that viewpoint does not bring lasting happiness but intensifies the longing for more and an attitude of scarcity.
Lessons such as these remind us that, in the Christian context, there is an attitude of abundance; that God actually does provide enough, leaving us with no reason to be uncharitable. Our group explored ways we can influence the generosity of others and came up with some ideas.
Just as this lesson gives an example of generosity, so we, too, can be examples of generosity. Show others by setting an example. Secondly, make others aware of charitable causes meaningful to you and explain why they are meaningful. Lastly, remind yourself of how much God has blessed your life and help others to see the blessings in theirs. Our God is one of abundance!
Giving Lord, help me to increase my generosity, so that I can be a beacon to others. Amen. — LGR
Contributed by Scarcity or Abundance?
Today's description of the early church sounds perfect, doesn't it? Those who had means gave generously (to put it mildly), and those in need received. How often do we read such passages and sigh to ourselves, "Why isn't our congregation more like this?"
You are not alone. In our society, the majority of people feel inadequate unless they are able to accumulate more and more. Unfortunately, that viewpoint does not bring lasting happiness but intensifies the longing for more and an attitude of scarcity.
Lessons such as these remind us that, in the Christian context, there is an attitude of abundance; that God actually does provide enough, leaving us with no reason to be uncharitable. Our group explored ways we can influence the generosity of others and came up with some ideas.
Just as this lesson gives an example of generosity, so we, too, can be examples of generosity. Show others by setting an example. Secondly, make others aware of charitable causes meaningful to you and explain why they are meaningful. Lastly, remind yourself of how much God has blessed your life and help others to see the blessings in theirs. Our God is one of abundance!
