The Book of Acts ~ Study Twenty

"Straight to the Best"


Acts 4:32-37 (NLT) All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.
     For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.


"All the believers were united in heart and mind." We've learned that heart and mind mean two different things. Let me refresh your memory. "Heart" is "cardia" in Greek and means, "the seat of desires, feelings, affections and passions." The Greek word used in this verse for "mind" is "psyche" and means, "Soul, life, person, the very breath of life." Putting heart and mind all together means this: The very seat of all we desire and feel, what we are affection for and passionate about steers the decision making portion of our lives.


Does your heart and mind work in accordance with God's will for your life? Do you respond to others with the love of Jesus? Both the heart and mind of a person must be sold out for Jesus in order to live like the early church did. Every aspect of their lives revolved around meeting together and living life together. That's what church is. We see that God approved because He gave them "great blessing."


1 Peter 3:8-10 (NLT)  Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it. For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.


If people who attend church regularly would give of themselves and their possessions then there would be no need unmet. Giving is an act of faith and obedience. In giving God returns with blessing. So many churches struggle with finances and are in debt. This shouldn't be happening among God's people. 


Proverbs 11:23-25 (MSG) The desires of good people lead straight to the best, but wicked ambition ends in angry frustration. The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.


I love the way the Message Bible words it; "The desires of good people lead straight to the best." Why don't we remember this when we are called to give and don't want to or are afraid to? Again, giving is an act of faith. "The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller." I don't know how the math works on this but as you give God replenishes. Let's look at an incident of giving that Jesus Himself was a witness to.




Mark 12:41-44 (NLT) Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.
     Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”

Jesus saw the rich giving "part" of their wealth and the poor widow giving "all" she had. Little did either party know that the Lord was watching. The motives for giving are important to Jesus. Do you give out of obligation or do you give out of love for Jesus? He's watching us and knows the intentions of our giving. What are your intentions?


I'm not talking about the "name-it-and-claim-it ~ blab-it-and grab-it" message some preachers proclaim. That kind of talk is selfish and does no good for the believer or the church. I am talking about giving selflessly to honor God and His Kingdom.


Philippians 2:3-4 (NLT) Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.


If the followers of Jesus would give selflessly as the poor widow gave then needs would be met and blessings flow. When believers give faithfully of their income, time and talents the church receives blessing and in turn can give blessing to those in need.


Are you ready to step out in faith and give as God directs you? God's supplies all our needs and provides the gifts for us to give. Its time we as a body of believers in Jesus gave as God wants us to give. Let's do it!


Philippians 4:19 (KJV) But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.