Can you imagine a community where everyone acts in love, caring and sharing with one another? When our empty nest suddenly became a multi-generational home, that was my dream: we’d all work together on our little homestead, tending the chickens, and the gardens, and keeping the dishes done, etc. I was unaware at that time that everyone was singing the opera of, “Me me me me, me me me me,” leaving no time to participate as a family. What a contrast to the lives of early Christians.

“All the many believers were one in heart and soul, and no one claimed any of his possessions for himself, but everyone shared everything he had.” (Acts 4:32) How did we go from sharing to clutching? If we wrap our arms so tightly around our possessions, we can’t open our arms to receive from the Lord. 

Are you satisfied with what you have already or do you want the rest of what Father has to give you? “No one among them was poor since those who owned lands and houses sold them and turned over the proceeds to the emissaries [apostles] to distribute to each according to his need.” (Acts 4:34) What would have to happen in this self-centered world for God’s people to once again come together in heart and soul, pool their resources, and truly care for one another, without resentment? 

Are you ready to receive a new gift from God? Are you willing to allow Father to perform heart surgery on you? Ask the Spirit to help you release your grip on the stuff of this world. “Here’s the point: he who plants sparingly also harvests sparingly. Each of you should give according to what he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” “God has the power to provide you with every gracious gift in abundance.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8) When your arms are empty, raise them to the Lord, who has been waiting to give you something new.