Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Restoring the Unity of Community

Bible Reading:  Acts 4:32-37

Key Verse: “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.” (Acts 4:32)


DEVOTION

Acts 4:32-37 emphasizes need for love and care for one another. It reflects the early church’s context where the believers gathered together to hear Peter and John’s teachings about Jesus and His resurrection from the dead. They laid their donations at the apostles’ feet to help the less fortunate people among them. These donations came from selling their homes and land. For example, Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus sold his field and brought the earnings to be distributed. The believers’ generous contributions to the poor demonstrates their selflessness and compassion for others while expecting nothing in return. They truly believed that their possessions were not their own, and that it was meant to be shared among everyone who needed it.

Acts 4 32-37 emphasizes a key value that Jesus teaches us throughout his ministry, which is to “love one another as I have loved You” (John 13:34). Jesus constantly showed His love for us through his service, such as the washing of the disciples’ feet, healing the sick, and providing for the needs of the less fortunate. He showed us the ultimate act of love, which was sacrificing himself on the cross for the forgiveness of sins.

We are called to follow Jesus and His ways. With love, compassion, and coming together in unity, it not only strengthens the community but also honors Jesus’ command for us to love. A sincere heart is willing to share what one has with others, and in Acts 4: 32-37, the believers showed their true faith by living in unity and giving generously.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your abounding love and care for us. We thank You for showing us how to be selfless and teaching us how to love and care for others. We ask for Your guidance to let go of the desire to obtain wealth in order to better ourselves, but rather, allow us to share our wealth with others to help our communities. Please provide us the strength we need to help build and unify our communities to glorify and exalt You, Father God. We ask this in Your wonderful and mighty name, Amen.


Thought for the day

Take a moment to reflect on your life. Are you pursuing material wealth just for your own comfort, or are you using what you have gained to help others?

                                                        
Giana Thomas
Mar Thoma Church of Staten Island, NY

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