They Gave…

Meditate: Acts 2:45

It’s easy to overlook one little word here.

These early Christians gave. That means it was a gift. According to the dictionary that’s “something bestowed voluntarily and without compensation.” Giving means not looking to be repaid. Expecting nothing. They saw a need, they gave.

In 21st century America, we have a hard time with this. We’re willing to loan but to give is often more involvement than we want. But think about this. When someone is genuinely in need is a loan truly helpful? “Maybe…Sometimes…Hey, it’s better than not helping at all…”

Seriously, think about that word “need” and come back to this. Is it really helpful to replace need with debt? Or worse, to add debt to need? Nehemiah took his countrymen to task for charging interest to God’s people. He said, “Are we redeeming them from slavery only to enslave them again?” Should we as Christians set our fellow Christians free from the bondage of debt only to enslave them again? Not to mention, do you really want all the baggage that goes with making a loan to a brother or sister?

Well, here’s how my wife and I handle it. We don’t loan money. You want a loan the answer will be always be “no” so please don’t ask.

See, God didn’t call us as bankers so we don’t loan, we give. If we check the books and pray and we’re not clear that we can hand it over as a “no strings attached” gift then we don’t give. While this means we aren’t always able to give, from time to time God puts something right in front of us that we look at and say, “We can do something about that.”

And this isn’t just about cash. It can just as easily be time or abilities. Sometimes money isn’t the answer (that thud you heard was the treasurer fainting). Quite often these kinds of gifts have even more value to the Body. Ask a caregiver who finally gets an afternoon out or a person who just needs sound advice or a listening ear.

• What do I have to give to those in need?
• When I give, is it truly a gift?

Pray:
Praise: You are my Provider. All creation is fed by Your hand.
Confess: The fear of my own need makes me hesitant to give.
Thank: Who can understand Your matchless riches or Your endless grace.
Ask: Show me what I have to give and where I’m needed.

Digging Deeper: Deuteronomy 15:1-11

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