THEY HAD ALL THINGS IN COMMON
“NOW THE MULTITUDE OF THOSE WHO BELIEVED WERE OF ONE
HEART AND ONE SOUL; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, BUT THEY HAD ALL THINGS IN COMMON.”
Acts 4:32 (NKJV)
The demonstration of true love—love that is affectionate or benevolent which the Greek word is agape—was found in the early church. The word agape is also translated as feast of charity. The practical demonstration of it was found in the midst of the early church (Acts 4:32-37).
Those who had land or whatever, sold their possessions and laid the proceeds down at the Apostles feet (Acts 4:32-37). They distributed the resources as individual had need (Acts 2:44,45).
They had all things in common, and no one says any of the things he or she possesses was theirs—it was commonly used or shared (Acts 2:44).
The practice or culture mentioned here is no longer found in the church today; the genuine love, agape or selfless love, is no longer found in the church. But it can begin with you, when you do allow the love of God on the inside of you finds expression; the love being talked about was given by the Holy Spirit when accepted Christ Jesus as Saviour and Lord (Romans 5:5). One of the primary ways to express love is through Giving of what you have: (1 John 3:16-18).
16 BY THIS WE KNOW LOVE, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
18 My little children, LET US NOT LOVE IN WORD OR IN TONGUE, BUT IN DEED AND IN TRUTH."
1 John 3:16–18 (NKJV)
Whatever you can do to help your fellow believers or humans is a sign of love, begin now (Romans 12:9-16; Galatians 6:9,10; Philippians 2:2-4).
The love should be expressed to all men, humans, but especially to the people of household of faith (Galatians 6:10).
Whatever you have the capacity to do to help or assist another person is what God is asking you to do; He is not asking for what you do not have: "FOR IF THERE IS FIRST A WILLING MIND, IT IS ACCEPTED ACCORDING TO WHAT ONE HAS, AND NOT ACCORDING TO WHAT HE DOES NOT HAVE" (2 Corinthians 8:12 NKJV).
The major areas of Giving are:
a. Giving of the tithes. Although, this is being disputed by some people who are ignorant and would not want to obey the Word of God because of their selfish reasons (Malachi 3:10-12; Matthew 23:23).
b. Giving to God's work: projects commanded by God, the mission work, whatever may be the need in the church or ministry you identify with, and other ministries laid in your heart which God has used to bless your life (Exodus 35:4,5,20-22).
c. Giving to the Needy, especially those who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:9,10).
d. Giving to the ministers of God; especially the ministers in your local church and the ones in the ministries which God has used to bless your life (1 Corinthians 9:9-14; Philippians 4:14-19).
Each of this Giving has its own rewards if it was done according to the Scripture. Being faithful in one type of Giving should not stop you from doing others.
Take a step now and be faithful in your Giving (Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6,7).
Peace.