Open Hands

Tuesday, March 7
Open Hands
By: Allison Hand


“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from sales, and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.” Acts 4:32-35

Here we get a glimpse of the infant church growing after Jesus ascended back to heaven after his death and resurrection. The power of the Holy Spirit was working through these people to care for their church and their community. 

They didn’t hold tightly to their resources to care for and protect themselves. Instead, they lived with open hands, realizing their possessions were not their own, and gave freely. Not one over gave and then was without. They didn’t hold back their giving (although read on a few verses to see what happens when one of them gave with wrong motives). In fact, they gave big. And the result was that they saw God move in their community. “There were no needy persons among them.”  A community united in Christ loving each other with their resources. 

When we don’t hold tightly to our resources and trust God in our giving, we see God work in amazing ways and we want to give more. 

Where have you seen God work in your giving? 

Have you been living with clenched hands instead of open hands?