Spontaneous Giving

Scripture – Acts 11:27-30: ²⁷During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. ²⁸One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) ²⁹The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. ³⁰This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

Reflection: – Agabus is not one of the Biblical names that readily comes to mind when I’m thinking of New Testament characters. Yet through him the Spirit spoke to the believers in Antioch. It’s a reminder to me that God can and does speak through people – often very ordinary people. I’ll be sure to keep my ears open today as I meet different individuals.

A second striking thing in this passage is the love offering collected for “the brothers living in Judea.” Even though the church is beginning to spread throughout the world, there’s still a unity. We are one today with Christians all around the globe.

This is the first special offering taken by Christians in one town to help people living somewhere else. It has a spontaneous look to it. Everyone gave as they were able. And they trusted Barnabas and Saul to deliver the gift on their behalf.

I have discovered spontaneous giving is fun. Like many people, my wife and I plan our giving at the beginning of the year. We have many regular contributions that are part of our monthly budget. Sometimes, however, a need comes up and I’m able to pull some cash from my wallet and give it away. There’s no counting or accounting. There’s great freedom in that and no small amount of joy. What opportunities will we have to give today? What will you do when one of them comes to you?