Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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One Heart and Soul: Faith Lived in Action 

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

The early church was marked by unity. We see in Acts 4:32, “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.”  At first glance, this seems like radical economics. However, Luke is careful to show us the deeper truth.  What they held in common wasn’t primarily possessions but a shared testimony: the resurrection of Jesus  Christ.  
The testimony of the resurrected Christ convicted the early believers. Their generosity flowed from this  conviction. Because Christ had conquered death, fear no longer ruled them. Security was no longer found  in what they owned, but in who they belonged to. What’s especially striking is that no one had to ask.  There is no command, no fundraising appeal, no waiting to be prompted. The people stepped up. They  saw needs and moved toward them. Their faith made them attentive and responsive, not passive or  delayed. Conviction produced action. 
 

PRAYER

Lord, we thank you for the grace you poured out on the early church through the power of the  resurrection. I pray that you shape our hearts by that same grace, that we would move first, give freely,  and live with open hands in response to all you have given us. 


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Today, let’s reflect on what we wait for that the early church didn’t. They didn’t wait to be asked,  convinced, or organized. Moved by the reality of the resurrected Christ, they stepped forward on their  own. Unity rooted in comfort hesitates. Unity rooted in Jesus moves first. Remember that resurrection  faith notices need, responds with urgency, and gives freely, because it trusts that Christ has already given  everything. 


Luke Pothen 
St. Stephen’s Mar Thoma Church, East Brunswick NJ

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