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They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)
I do not tire of sharing the story of the day when I had no money and no food to eat because of the glad and generous heart of a classmate, Bud Rousett, now a pastor in Colorado. Without me having to ask, God placed in his heart to ask me if I would join him for lunch. "I don't have much, " he said, "Just two eggs, two pieces of bread and some peanut butter; would you join me?" I get teary-eyed just thinking of that feast of a meal we enjoyed, because that made me have a glad and generous heart. I remember the first Christmas season Nellie and I were married and we found ourselves pretty close to that situation, and we had just enough money to buy one of those small samplers from the sausage and cheese vendors that spring up in shopping centers. Another feast! Why? Because of a glad and generous heart. This awesome passage comes after the Miracle at Pentecost, the sharing by God of His Holy Spirit, and the miracles did not end there, for glad and generous hearts find miracles everyday, even in the simplest things that others take for granted.
How does one get a glad and generous heart? From God, of course. We ask for forgiveness of our sins, and when we realize that we have been forgiven, we can't help but know that our hearts are glad for that which was taken away from us (sin); and become generous for that which was given to us (God's love). Notice again the miracles; new believers devoted themselves to learning as much as they could about Jesus. They also enjoyed being together with others who loved Jesus. They also celebrated Communion and in fellowship meals; so much so that "All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possession and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need." What a miracle, to realize they had too much stuff, could sell that stuff and then share the money with others. The meals at home became where the glad and generous hearts allowed praising of God and the goodwill of people. "And day by day, the Lord added to their number those who were being saved."
So, put your glad and generous heart to work!
PRAYER: Lord, add to our hearts a double dose of generosity and triple dose of gladness. Help me as part of the Church become one who blesses Your work by sharing and giving, praising and worshiping You. Add daily to our number, Dear Father, this we pray in Christ Jesus our Lord, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! A glad and generous heart that does not work soon dies - Don't kill your work!
Eradio Valverde
