Read: Job 7:20, Psalm 42:9
There are traits you can see in others that are so different from your nature that they seem like magic. For me, that trait is extreme generosity. I know a woman who would give you the jacket off her back. That’s not an exaggeration. I saw her do it once in the middle of winter while passing out coffee and sandwiches to homeless people. I asked her about it later, and she just said, “When you have more than you need, you build a longer table, not a taller fence.” That moment stuck with me, shaping my understanding of generosity and sacrifice.
The early church lived this out in a profound way. They didn’t just talk about love and generosity—they lived it. They shared everything they had, ensuring that no one among them was in need. This wasn’t just a social program; it was the natural outflow of their deep fellowship and love for one another, rooted in their commitment to Christ.
Generosity is a hallmark of a life transformed by Jesus. It’s easy to give when it’s convenient, but the kind of generosity the early church modeled required sacrifice. It meant putting others’ needs above their own, trusting that God would provide for them as they provided for others. In a world that often values accumulation and self-preservation, we are called to a different standard—a standard of sacrificial love that mirrors the love of Christ.
True generosity doesn’t come from a place of abundance but from a heart that understands the value of others above self. It’s about seeing our possessions not as something to hoard, but as tools to bless and uplift those around us. When we give, we reflect the heart of God, who gave His only Son for us.
Questions for Reflection:
- In what areas of your life can you practice greater generosity and sacrifice?
- How does your view of possessions and wealth align with the early church’s example?
- What might God be calling you to sacrifice for the sake of others this week?