Living Out Actsਨਮੂਨਾ

The next way that we can live out Acts is to care for one another. Acts 2:42-44 tells us that the people were together daily and had all things in common. I know that even that sounds like a lot for us in our culture today, but you are typically only around people daily whom you genuinely care about. How do I know that they cared for one another? Verse 45 tells us that they sold all their possessions, goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. Acts 4:32-35 also tells us that, because of this heart posture, none of them lacked anything.

Think about that for a second. The Christians, believers, church, disciples, etc, sold all their belongings to divide among themselves so that everyone was taken care of. This illustrates the level of care that we, as the people of God, should have for one another. We should love one another sacrificially, sharing our belongings and homes with those in need, so that none of our brothers and sisters are lacking.

Just in case you needed another example, in Acts 6, the reason the apostles selected deacons was that a complaint arose that the widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of resources. None of this is brought up if the people did not care for one another enough to speak up for those on the margins of society. Remember that contextually, women were dependent upon their husbands at this time. The fact that someone spoke up and the leaders addressed the needs speaks to the intentionality of caring for one another.

In this day and age, we must care for one another, not just to emulate the example set in the book of Acts, but because it is what Jesus commanded us to do. He said to love our neighbor as we love ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). The book of Acts is not just about the power received by the Holy Spirit, but also the care and compassion we receive from being led by the Holy Spirit. Let us take the time to bear one another's burdens, open our homes, and care for the needs of those around us. Doing these things reflects the nature of Christ and helps us live out the Book of Acts wholeheartedly.

Reflection Questions:

What do Acts 2:45 and Acts 6:1 reveal about how the early church viewed people in need?

What are some needs (physical, emotional, or spiritual) that you see around you in your community, school, or church?

What’s one small, practical way you can meet a need this week?

If someone watched your life this week, what would they see that shows you care for the needs of others?