Witness Through Sharing
Scripture Reading — Acts 2:42-47
All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.
Tertullian, a church leader in the second century, noted that unbelievers would say, after observing the lives of Christians, "See how they love each other." As we read in the book of Acts, Christians in the early church expressed their love for Christ by making sure "there were no needy persons among them" (Acts 4:34).
These believers witnessed through sharing. Their generosity and compassion toward the needy pointed to the generosity and compassion of their Lord, who, "though he was rich," became poor for our sake, so that we "through his poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9). They understood what the apostle James wrote: "Faith without deeds is useless" (James 2:20).
Some Christians are reluctant witnesses because they think they don't know what to say. Regardless of how we feel about witnessing, or whether we feel inadequate, all of us can witness through sharing and by showing Christ's love. My mother never had much opportunity to witness to unbelievers, but she witnessed by sharing from the little we had with a family that had even less.
You and I who serve the risen Savior can feed the hungry and reach out to the needy. Ask yourself today, How can I share? How can I be a living witness to the grace of Christ? Actions speak louder than words!
Lord, give us the grace to follow your example; help us to be your witnesses by sharing your love with others. Amen.
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
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