Devotion 04 August 2026

All the believers were together and had everything in common. Acts 2: 44

READING: Acts 2: 37-47 and 1 Corinthians 4: 14-20

The passage from Acts describes the actions of the early Christians. The heading given in the Bible for this section of Acts is The Fellowship of the Believers.

It reveals to us people who were busy worshiping, sharing and working together. They learnt about God together, were concerned about each other, shared their possessions, spent time together and ate their meals together.

This was not charity at work - they did it, we are told, “with glad and sincere hearts” (v46). Their way of life was attractive to those in the community, for we are told that they ‘enjoyed the favour of all the people’. And their example resulted in the persons being daily converted to Christ’s way (v47).

As the church grew, we see further evidence that caring for each other is faith in action. So many times we read of St Paul’s concern for the churches far and wide. For example, in 1 Corinthians 4 we read how he sends Timothy, whom he loves like a son, to help them, and assures them that he will come very soon to see them himself. Sacrificial actions to help fellow Christians who are struggling with their faith.

These words remind us that Christ’s way is based on actions, not words.  It is not about what we say, but about how we live. Active concern and sharing of our lives are a sign that we are followers of Jesus.

Such ideals are easy to talk about, but not so easily achieved. Without God’s power, we cannot live the way He wishes us to do. That’s why it is so good to know that God’s Holy Spirit is always available to us. And in the letter to the Corinthians, Paul implies that the power of Holy Spirit is the source of our good actions (v20).

It is only in the power of God’s Spirit that we can become the humble, loving, justice-seeking people God has called us to be, and do our part in contributing to bringing about God’s kingdom on earth.

Prayer

Grant to me, O Lord Jesus Christ, I pray, the faith that can move mountains. Empower me, Holy Spirit, so that my faith is expressed not just in words, but in Christlike actions. And to God be the glory, Amen