The Generous Family: Living With Open Hands and HeartsSample

Today, we'll dive deep into the story of Aquila and Priscilla, one of the Bible's most prominent examples of generous living. Their journey offers powerful lessons for Generous Families seeking to use their resources and hospitality to fulfill God's purposes.

Aquila and Priscilla's story begins in a time of displacement. We first encounter them in Acts 18:2-3: "There [Paul] met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them."

Despite being refugees themselves, Aquila and Priscilla's generous spirit is evident from the start. They opened their home and workplace to Paul, demonstrating that generosity isn't dependent on circumstances but on a willing heart. This teaches us that we can be generous no matter our situation - it's not about how much we have but how willing we are to share it.

Their generosity extended beyond hospitality. When Paul left Corinth for Ephesus, Aquila and Priscilla accompanied him (Acts 18:18-19). This move showcases their commitment to supporting God's work, even at personal cost. In Ephesus, they continued their pattern of generous living, hosting church meetings in their home (1 Corinthians 16:19). Their willingness to relocate reminds us that sometimes, generosity requires flexibility and a readiness to go where we're needed.

Aquila and Priscilla's generous spirit wasn't limited to material things. When they encountered Apollos, a gifted speaker with an incomplete understanding of the Gospel, they "invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately" (Acts 18:26). This act of educational generosity had far-reaching impacts on the early church. It teaches us that true generosity involves sharing not just our possessions but also our knowledge, skills, and time.

However, their journey of generosity wasn't without risk. In his letter to the Romans, Paul writes, "Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me" (Romans 16:3-4). This sobering statement reminds us that true generosity sometimes comes at great personal cost. It challenges us to consider how far we are willing to go in our generosity.

Throughout their story, Aquila and Priscilla consistently act as a team, supporting each other in their generous endeavors. This unity in purpose strengthened their impact and serves as a powerful example for Generous Families today. It shows us the importance of aligning as a family in our generous efforts, supporting and encouraging each other in our giving.

For Generous Families today, Aquila and Priscilla's life offers many valuable lessons. Their story teaches us that generosity transcends circumstances - even as refugees, they freely shared what they had. It shows us the power of hospitality as a form of generosity, consistently opening their home for ministry. We learn that true generosity involves more than money - it's about sharing our skills and knowledge and even being willing to take risks for the sake of others.

Perhaps most importantly, Aquila and Priscilla's story demonstrates how generous living can have far-reaching impacts. Their mentoring of Apollos influenced many beyond their immediate circle, reminding us that our generosity can create ripple effects we may never fully see.

By embracing these lessons from Aquila and Priscilla's life, Generous Families can align their giving with God's will, becoming a powerful force for good in their families, communities, and beyond. When guided by faith and love, your generosity can significantly impact God's kingdom, just as Aquila and Priscilla's generous living supported the growth of the early church.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How can our family, like Aquila and Priscilla, use our home and resources for ministry and hospitality?
2. How can we generously use our skills and knowledge to support and educate others in faith?
3. How might we incorporate "generous risk-taking" into our family life, being willing to sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel?
4. What steps can we take to support each other as a family in our generous endeavors?