April 10th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON ACTS 

CHARITY BEGINS WITH YOU  

Acts 2:44-47 “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”  

At one time in the Christian congregation, Pot Lucks were quite common. However, a cultural shift has occurred. When congregation’s do come together it is becoming more common that it is either catered or a committee of members prepare and serve it. There are a number of reasons for this, but those who research such things indicate that one of the leading reasons is people are too busy to prepare food. The micro-wave and heating pre-pared/purchased foods is the new way of eating.    

After Pentecost, Luke wrote, the believers had everything in common. This began with the believers coming together to eat their daily meals together. They went beyond the meal, however, and those who “had,” shared the necessities of life with those who had less or nothing at all. The modern proverb, “Charity begins at home,” appeared to be operative in the Christian community.  

St. Paul wrote to Timothy, “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8) Do not these words of St. Paul flow out of Jesus’ words, “Love one another?” As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)   

God gives you the opportunity every day to show love to others. Where better to begin than among your own blood relatives and secondly, those who are your fellow believers. While on earth Jesus modeled living in this manner when “ . . . He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:7-8) Jesus was never too tired or busy to minister to the needs of the people.  

Prayer: Lord, create in me a loving, caring, generous heart for my family, my church family, my neighbors and even strangers. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

O God of mercy, God of might,   
In love and pity infinite,  
Teach us, as ever in Thy sight,   
To live our lives in Thee. 

And Thou, who cam’st on earth to die   
That our lost world might live thereby,.  
O hear us; for to Thee we cry,  
In hope, O Lord, to Thee. 

Teach us the lesson Thou hast taught:   
To feel for those Thy blood hath bought,  
That ev’ry word and deed and thought   
May work a work for Thee. 

All are redeemed, both far and wide,  
Since Thou, O Lord, for all hast died.  
Grant us the will and grace provide  
To love them all in Thee! 

In sickness, sorrow, want, or care,   
May we each other’s burdens share;  
May we, where help is needed, there  
Give help as unto Thee! 

And may Thy holy Spirit move  
All those who live to live in love  
Till Thou shalt greet in heav’n above  
All those who live in Thee. 

O God of Mercy, God of Might // LSB 852