Human beings do not have to learn how to be selfish. Anyone who has interacted with a young child understands this. From learning the word “mine” very quickly to refusing to share, unfortunately, selfishness is a part of human nature beginning from toddlerhood. Generosity and sharing, however, must be learned. Little children must be taught to share toys with siblings and friends. They must learn that just because something is “theirs,” that does not mean that they are the only person who can use it. From toddlerhood, kids have to learn the joy of sharing. They must learn the joy that is found in generosity. This generosity is what you and I are called to model as followers of Christ. You see, from its very beginning, Scripture teaches that the early church was extraordinarily generous, and it serves as a model for you and me today.
Acts 2:45-46 teaches us that the early church not only lived life together and cared for each other, they also took it a step further by practicing incredible generosity. After explaining that the early church lived life together, Acts 2 says that members of the church “sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity” (verses 45-46). The early church made outrageous generosity a lifestyle. They not only cared for each other, but they also went out of their way to meet needs, even when it meant selling their own property and possessions. This kind of generosity, my friends, is counter-cultural. It must be learned and practiced. It points people to Christ as it demonstrates His own generosity to the world.
If we look carefully at this verse, we learn that generosity and sharing has an impact. The end of Acts 2:46 explains that the early church was filled with joy as they shared and practiced generosity. While the thought of letting go of time, talents, and possessions may not always bring joy, the amazing thing is that as we let go of some of the blessings God has given us in order to benefit and bless others, we find joy. Maybe this is the reason that one of the last things the apostle Paul reminded leaders in the early church in Ephesus is that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Is anything holding you back from practicing generosity today? Maybe you are worried about finances, or maybe you feel too busy to stop and think about how you can be generous to other people. It is time today to let go of self-centeredness and be generous. After all, God has been generous towards us.
How can you be generous today? Take a few minutes to think of one person who is in need. Can you buy them a meal or an item that you know they have been needing but cannot afford? Maybe you can be generous with your time and run an errand for a single parent who does not have a second of extra time. Whatever you decide, let’s be extraordinarily generous today.
Paul went by land to Assos, where he had arranged for us to join him, while we traveled by ship. He joined us there, and we sailed together to Mitylene. The next day we sailed past the island of Kios. The following day we crossed to the island of Samos, and[a] a day later we arrived at Miletus.
Paul had decided to sail on past Ephesus, for he didn’t want to spend any more time in the province of Asia. He was hurrying to get to Jerusalem, if possible, in time for the Festival of Pentecost. But when we landed at Miletus, he sent a message to the elders of the church at Ephesus, asking them to come and meet him.
When they arrived he declared, “You know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now I have done the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews. I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes. I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.
“And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
“And now I know that none of you to whom I have preached the Kingdom will ever see me again. I declare today that I have been faithful. If anyone suffers eternal death, it’s not my fault, for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know.
“So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders. I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you—my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you.
“And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.
“I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
When he had finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them. They all cried as they embraced and kissed him good-bye. They were sad most of all because he had said that they would never see him again. Then they escorted him down to the ship.
