Sharing

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It’s always great to hear from others and how the blogs have set them thinking and yesterday Linda wrote to me in response to the blog on Barnabas and encouragement.

 

Yesterday in my Bible reading notes I was reading about this passage about the very Early Church in the Bible from Acts 4:

Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave 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 owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

 

We read in yesterday’s blog that it was St Barnabas day, and Barnabas means son of encouragement. In life we all need the support and encouragement of one another. As brothers and sisters in the family of God we have so many opportunities to encourage and support one another on our journey of faith. Meeting together to worship each week in our beautiful church is a wonderful way to praise God and talk with our Christian friends.

 

Through Jesus we have access to the Father who provides and encourages all believers so lavishly. In Acts 4 v.34-35 there was generosity among the believers through sharing possessions. Barnabas (v.36-37) sold a field he owned and put the money at the apostles’ feet. We have forgiveness of our sins through Jesus. That gift offered freely out of love cost him dearly at the cross. Maybe we cannot all be as generous as Barnabas and other believers, especially in these difficult times, but after careful reflection might God be prompting us to consider our finances and faith? If we know love and trust the Lord, let our gifts reflect that.

 

Lord Jesus, teach me to be generous;
teach me to serve you as you deserve,
to give and not to count the cost,
to fight and not to heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest,
to labour and not to seek reward,
except that of knowing that I do your will.

Amen.

St. Ignatius Loyola

We make a living

by what we get,

We make a life

by what we give