Thoughts for the Day

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.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

The passage from the Acts of the Apostles, shows how the new church grew after the resurrection of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit. 'Wonders and signs occurred', the people shared what they had, and spent time praising God. They were admittedly expecting the world to end soon, and Christ to return to judge all peoples.

A recent survey carried out in the US on the Abrahamic religions reported "there is a substantial connection between religion and giving". Those with a faith tradition are more likely to give to charities, and were "more than two times more generous than someone without a religious affiliation". 62% of such households give to charity, against 46% of non-religious households. The figures might have been higher since they didn't include giving to faith-based non-profit organisations like hospitals or schools. The report also stated that: “One is more likely to come across opportunities to engage, volunteer and to give of one’s time and money when one is involved in a faith community."

This report may well reflect giving in other places, and my son's recent marathon run proved that. But a healthy church community will also encourage us to give of our time, our talents, and our money. Perhaps today we could pray for our local church, and local charities, and for those engaged in fund-raising.

Lord God,
Your generous hand gives to us
each and every day,
and where things in our world go wrong
it is usually because we have failed
to listen to You.
May we learn to be truly generous to others,
giving until it hurts,
and when we are in need not be too proud
to ask for help.
Amen.