Reflections on JusticeExemplo

In Acts 4:32-34, we see a picture of believers who were one in heart and mind (one translation uses the words ‘heart’ and ‘soul’).

Their sharing had not been imposed on them by church leadership but had its grounding in their unity of heart and soul. They loved each other, took care of each other, and shared all they had with each other. The love that flowed within the Christian community flowed out to the society. So much so that they gained an amazing reputation for counter-cultural caring for those who weren’t members of their faith.

I see this picture across our world in many expressions of church, where everyone comes together and shares what they have. Whether they have plenty or little, everyone brings what they have to the table. This happens because of the love and grace of God being so powerfully at work in all these places.

This is taking care of each other; making personal sacrifices to help each other, considering the well-being of Christian brothers and sisters above our own personal welfare. Living in that kind of peaceable community makes it possible to let go of judgement, to assume the best of all those we meet, and to live without fear or rejection.

This way of living is possible because of a common commitment to be of one heart and mind, to love like Jesus, and to share everything we have so there are no needy people among us.

Challenge: Consider who the ‘needy’ are in your community. What do you have to share with them? How can they feel included? How can we be counter-cultural in our areas of influence and ministry?

Prayer: Lord, may I have eyes that see the injustice in the world of those who have and those who have not. May I share what I have with those in need, and not just delegate to ‘the church’. May I be of one heart and mind with fellow believers and the communities around us to show love, grace, and mercy to those in need.