The Power of Obedient Love
- Bishop Keith Butler
- Apr 9
- 2 min read
Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. (Acts 4:34-35)
At this point in the Book of Acts, something extraordinary happened. The church was growing, and people were excited to see God's miracle power manifest in amazing ways. Following the direction of the Holy Spirit, the people of God began selling their properties and bringing the proceeds to the apostles so that the church could thrive.
Let’s consider what this would mean in practical terms. Imagine what occurred during this process. First, they listed their homes and properties for sale, which took time. Then, they received their full price—no deductions, sales, or hesitations. Finally, they didn’t keep the money for themselves; they gave it to the church so that it could grow.
This was not forced generosity. This was neither a church-led nor a government program demanding believers to give away their possessions. The Holy Spirit moved the church from a mindset of self-preservation to one of self-sacrifice. One of the most unmistakable signs that God is working in your heart is that you begin to care less about yourself and more about others. The anointing of the Holy Spirit releases you from selfishness, makes you more generous, and shifts your heart towards the needs of others. When God’s grace is at work, we stop asking, "What about me?" and ask, "How can I help others?”
This was not the first time that believers in Acts gave sacrificially. We saw this happen in Acts 2 as well. This indicates that it wasn’t a one-time event but a lifestyle. The early church was characterized by radical generosity because they understood that everything they had belonged to God.
Practical Application
What if God asked you to give something up for the sake of someone else? Would you do it? The believers sold their homes without fear because they trusted God to provide. Do you trust Him with your resources? Ask the Holy Spirit to check your heart and see if what you have been giving is truly Spirit-led and generous or just “safe.”