“The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help
for the brothers living in Judea.”
Acts 11:29
The new believers at Antioch proved themselves to be disciples of Christ by sending a gift to help their Christian brothers in Jerusalem.
A convert is a baby believer – one who has accepted Jesus, but not yet become a disciple of Jesus. A disciple is committed to an active faith, a growing faith.
The Christians at Antioch proved their faith by living it out loud. This act of love did not earn salvation for them, but it confirmed their salvation existed. We can do good deeds all day long, but those deeds do not make us a Christian. However, if we are a Christian, good deeds should flow from our lives.
My wise husband explains it this way, “You don’t bark to become a dog. You bark because you are a dog!”
Where is God calling you and me to live sent by loving others, sharing what we have?
Two additional points about providing help to others:
- The Scripture says that each gave “according to his ability.” Ask God to reveal your ability to give.
- Before they sent the help, it says they decided to provide. The battleground for any positive or negative choice is always our mind. What are you and I deciding to do today?
Lord, I thank you that I can give according to my ability. I want to be your disciple. Use me as a vehicle of blessing today.
Live Sent Action Point: Look around your house and find something to give away to someone in need. Decide to do it. And then do it.
