What can we learn from the early church as described in the book of Acts? Greg Matte, senior pastor of Houston’s First Baptist Church, discusses the importance of generosity in the Christian faith.

Individualism was nearly non-existent in the early church. People shared food, and even sold land to help provide for those in need.

“There’s such simplicity to their generosity, they just want to give and it all begins with them just being awed by God.”

The early church members awe for God caused them to be unified in one body, so much so that they shared everything they owned.

“That’s the proof of God’s ownership, that He has a plan and He owns it all.”

We might say it wasn’t hard to give because they didn’t have much anyway. However, sometimes it’s harder to give when we are giving what we were going to eat that day. How often have you given all that you have to give?

“Most of us, at worst, we’re comfortable, and at best we’re pampered.”

Most Christians will never reach that level of sacrifice; however, we should all be prepared to be generous even when we have little to give.

Manifestations of generosity can come in many different shapes and sizes and not all have to be monetary.

“That’s part of generosity, being able to care for your neighbor. Keeping your eyes and ears open, what can we do to help our neighbor, what can we do to help somebody in need.”

What can you to do be generous with your time, money, energy, and resources? Today, ask God to help you see how and where He is calling you to be generous.

Highlight: Are you generous?

Generosity in the early church