Generosity Draws

“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. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.” Acts 4:33-37

I had the opportunity recently to offer something of value to some friends. It was passes to a golf tournament. I only had two, so I started checking with them one at a time. The first several were not able to take advantage of them, but something struck me. In declining, each of them expressed appreciation. Generosity had touched them.

Joseph from Cyprus was a generous person. It was shown in two ways. He was generous with his possessions. He sold some property he owned to provide for needy people. And he was so generous with his mouth that he was known by his nickname, Barnabas. It means “son of encouragement.” Think that may draw people? You bet. He finds Saul, who was a suspicious character to the church, and brings him in. He later helps redeem a wayward missionary by the name of John Mark. And he was an encourager to all the churches he and Paul visited.

So today, live a generous life. And if you don’t have much to share with others materially, be generous with your words of encouragement and support. All of us can do that. And watch how people are drawn and open to hear what you have to say about the Savior.

Prayer Focus: Lord, we have received freely from You, help us to freely give. Help us to always view generosity not as a loss of something we are giving away, but the gain of seeing people drawn to You.