Acts 4:32-35 (NRSV)
Read Acts 4:32-35 on biblegateway.com
Verse 32Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. Verse 33With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. Verse 34There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. Verse 35They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
Devotion
The earliest Christian community cared for each person, and the whole person. Luke tells us that as they proclaimed the risen Jesus, "There was not a needy person among them." Surely, this kind of caring for the needs of one another was rooted in the life they had experienced along the road with Jesus, who proclaimed, taught, fed and healed. Over the centuries, the church has continued to roll up its sleeves to feed, to heal, to bring hope and to restore all sorts of persons in need. The message is clear: the risen Jesus cares about you, your well-being, physical, mental and spiritual, your whole self.
Prayer
Gracious God, we thank you for the times you move your people to act with one heart, and in doing so, to show the world your heart, your love and your compassion for us and for all people. Amen.