But Peter said, "I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!" Acts 3:6
The early church was known for following Jesus' example by seeing peoples' needs. Reading about the church's impact in the book of Acts is inspiring. When we think about our calling, doubting our resources and abilities to help can be tempting. We can focus so deeply on what we don't have and our inabilities that we freeze up, unable to help take part in meeting the needs around us. The truth is that God has blessed us with our gifts, talents, and resources. When we recognize the ways He has blessed us and are willing to use the gifts, talents, and abilities He has given us, we are ready to meet others' needs.
In Acts chapter 3, Peter and John met a man who could not walk and was in great need. He was begging for money beside the temple gate. Now Peter and John did not have much money. Many in their situation would have said, "I do not have money, so I cannot help you. I am sorry." Peter and John could have certainly done this. Instead, they thought about what they had. They had the Holy Spirit! In response, Peter said, "I don't have silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!" (verse 6). They gave what they had. They offered healing through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The truth is that God has gifted all of us in unique ways. He has given us all different gifts from the Holy Spirit for a purpose. This purpose is to serve others and meet their needs. Are you willing to step out of your routine and life to stop, see needs, and share your gifts? It may require that we give up our time or other resources, but we will always find purpose when we are willing to give.
Take some time to take inventory of how God has blessed you. What gifts, talents, and resources has He given you? Write them down. Then, take some time to think about how you can use these gifts, talents, and resources to meet people around you. Are you willing to share them? Commit this week to take one step in using your gifts, talents, and resources to help this week.
Acts 3:1-6 (NLT)
"Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. 2 As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.
4 Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. 6 But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”
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