Unity brings God’s blessing

Acts 4:32-37

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. ³³ With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all ³⁴ that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales ³⁵ and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

³⁶ Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), ³⁷ sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

In reflecting on today’s passage, the first sentence says it all really, “All the believers were united in heart and mind.”  The early believers shared what they had not considering possessions their own but rather for the Christian community.  The believers were generous towards God and their brothers and sisters in Christ.  It would seem that the result of living that way enabled them to testify powerfully about Jesus.  Not only that, God’s blessing was upon them. 

What can we take from the early believers’ example?  How does this translate to my 2024 world?  It reminds us of the importance of unity amongst fellow believers. Serving Jesus, prioritising the purposes of God, particularly the sharing the Gospel unites us.  It’s a shared chief aim that is lived out together in many forms and contexts. What else strikes me about this passage is the requirement to be aware of the needs of fellow believers.  If there is a need, and let’s face it there often is, how can I help?  Help can take on many forms and there is usually some way we can assist, it could be a listening ear, provision of a meal, prayer, transportation, minding children, finances just to name a few.

Dear Lord, help us to be like the early believers, to be united in heart and mind in serving you.  Please also show us how we can support and help other Christians who may be struggling in some way.  Amen

Written by Ps. Ainslie Woods