UNITY CREATES COMPASSION
Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
Acts 4:32-35 (ESV)
It's hard to create a heart of compassion and care. Sometimes, I confess, I try to push myself to care more deeply, but it doesn’t seem to last. Unity is one of the ways to create deeper compassion and care for those in need. I moved out of my home when I was 18. I love my family, but I was hungry to see the world and get out of my own. I have always been close to my family, and they have always helped me in different ways. In the 21 years I have been living on my own, only once have I called my parents and asked them to come help. It was during a season of crippling anxiety, and I just needed my immediate family. I wasn’t sleeping, and honestly, I didn’t think I would ever come out of the deep pit. I called that morning, and later that afternoon, my mom was flying into Dallas to help me and the kids since I was struggling so much to be present. You know, my mom didn’t tell me, well I’d like to fly it, but this last minute the ticket will be way too expensive, so I will come on the weekend. Families have a unity and love that causes them to sacrifice time and finances to care for each other.
The point is, where there is unity and care, sacrifices don’t seem to cost as much. They seem to come way easier. The church was trying to whip up emotion for the needs they had. Some had financial issues, emotional burdens, health issues and relational issues, and the verse above shows that no one was in need. Churches today are filled with needs that aren’t always met, but this first church met all the needs. Do you know what the key ingredient was? Unity, they were of one heart and soul; they were a spiritual family that gladly answered the call of those around them. When our unity and love grow, so will our care and compassion.
APPLICATION:
Generosity is a sign of unity.
PRAYER:
Ask God to help give you unity and love for the people of God. Ask the Spirit to help you see those around you in the faith and church as spiritual family.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?