Acts 2:42-47

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

If you read Acts 2 in its entirety, it seems that the generosity that flowed out of the community of believers was from their awareness of God’s generosity through Christ toward them:

Acts 2: 23-24

“this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.  God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.”

I have some awesome friends who live generous lives within and beyond their fellow community of Christ followers.  Wilson’s Mom has clothed our boys with hand-me-downs for years, Northside Squirrel keeps my hair cut and colored (often times providing lunch as she does so).  She along with my Waynesville friend have given me tons of prayer support and encouragement during this pregnancy.  Norwood Mama has given and loaned me things ever since I first told her I was pregnant with Justice.  Adelaide’s Mama is one of the most hospitable and welcoming people I have ever met.  These women along with so many more (like my “Macedonian Princess” and Anna’s Mom) have prayed for me, encouraged me, and taught me so much about what it looks like to love Jesus and depend upon Him to meet the needs of me and my family.   My mom belongs at the top of this list for Christian generosity – not just for all that she does for me, but for the way she sacrifices her time and comfort to serve and encourage the ladies in her immediate church family! I am so thankful for my community of believers – both locally and globally!

These women encourage me to be more generous (something that I desire to be but seldom do).  They encourage me to look at possessions and time not as my own, but as that which belongs to the body of believers for the sake of the gospel.  Please join me in offering up a prayer of thanksgiving for these women and the women in your life who are living out their faith and doing it right!