Loving Stewardship – The Presidential Prayer Team

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. – Acts 4:3

At first glance, you might think today’s verse means Christians should form a commune or adopt a socialistic government. The verse doesn’t mean that no one had possessions. In the story of Ananias and Sapphira, Peter asked, “While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal?” (Acts 5:4). Their sin was lying about what they gave. God desires His people to give generously and voluntarily.

The key is to hold possessions up with an open hand to God and outstretched to those in need while being good stewards of what you have been given. James describes a faith shown by clothing the naked and feeding the hungry (James 2:14-17). Believers are to consider that their possessions ultimately belong to God and they are managers of what is given to them. Ecclesiastes 5:19 says, “Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God.”

A church that is truly unified will not only make sure the needs of its members are met, but their love will extend to those who need it most. What a testimony to the world to see the love of God expressed in this way! Pray for a deeper unity in the fellowship you are involved in and that the ripples of love, forgiveness, and giving will reach out to all of the United States and throughout the world.

Today’s Verse: Acts 4:3

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.

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: Luke 6:27-38

²⁷“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, ²⁸bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. ²⁹To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. ³⁰Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. ³¹And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

³²“If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. ³³And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. ³⁴And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. ³⁵But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. ³⁶Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

³⁷“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; ³⁸give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”