Acts 4:32-35—Holding possessions lightly
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. 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 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 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.
Response
Consider the following questions:
- The early church was characterized by a spirit of generosity. How does today’s church (or your own congregation) measure up? Do today’s Christians have a reputation for generosity? In what ways is that true or untrue?
- “There were no needy persons among them.” What different kinds of needs might you be able to meet in your congregation and community?
- What would it be like to share possessions with a group of people not related to you? What kinds of adjustments would that require—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually?
- Is this kind of communal living something to which all Christians should aspire? Why or why not?
2 Corinthians 9:6-8—Sowing and reaping
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Response
Consider the following questions:
- Think back over the past year. Where have you “sown sparingly”? Where have you “sown generously”?
- Are there any changes you might like to make to your practice of generosity?
- How do you “decide in your heart” what and when to give? How intentional are those decisions?
- How might you find more joy in giving generously?
1 John 3:16-18—Love and generosity
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
Response
Consider the following questions:
- How are you laying down your life for your brothers and sisters? Spend some time in self-reflection.
- This passage clearly ties love of our neighbor to sharing material possessions with people in need. How do you discover needs in your neighborhood, city, country, and world? What needs are you able to meet?
- Think of someone you know who is in trouble or in need. How might you love that person “with actions and in truth”?
- How might you remind yourself daily of God’s generous love for you?
Luke 15:11-32—The Lost Son
Read the story of the lost son.
Response
Consider the following questions:
- Visit this virtual exhibit of art inspired by the story of the lost son, also often called the prodigal son. Larry and Mary Gerbens collected these artworks and donated them to Calvin University. Which images particularly resonate with you? Why?
- Where do you see generosity in this story? Where do you see selfishness?
- What does this story show us about God? About ourselves?
- How might this story change the way you think about, speak about, and act toward people who have done things you disapprove of?