Cheerful Giving
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Exciting times! On Pentecost the Holy Spirit had come down from heaven as a rushing mighty wind and sat on the heads of Jesus’s followers like flames. They spoke in other languages—languages they did not know, but ones foreigners understood as they heard the gospel in their own languages (Acts 2:1-12). Several thousand Christians spent time together every day: praying, listening to teachings, and eating together. Miracles and signs happened. With singleness of heart they praised God. Some sold their possessions and gave to others that had a need (Acts 2:40-47).
But Satan tempted one couple, Ananias and Sapphira, to sell their land, keep part of the money, and lie about the price (Acts 5:1-2). Because they were surrounded by
generous people, they felt compelled to give but didn’t really want to. Money had become an idol to them, more important to them than honoring God. Therefore Satan, the Father of Lies (John 8:44), tempted them to lie (Acts 5:3) in contrast to the community filled by the Spirit of truth (Acts 4:31, John 15:26, John 16:13).
Their dishonesty, greed, and idolatry were like a cancer that could not be allowed to spread. Before Ananias and Sapphira could influence others, God struck them dead as each stood before Peter (Acts 5:3-10).
When I first read the account, I thought Ananias and Sapphira’s punishment was too severe. They didn’t have to give any money to the disciples. Why was it wrong to keep some of it? But the text says they lied to God (Acts 5:3-4). The Greek word used, nosphizo, means “to purloin, embezzle, withdraw covertly and appropriate to one’s own use.” They said they wanted to give to God, but he saw their true motive–“We want it for ourselves.”
How do you feel about giving? Do you give regularly to the Lord’s work through tithes and other offerings? How can you give more generously of the gifts the Lord has given you? And in addition to monetary gifts, are you also willing to give your time, energy, and possessions?
God wants us to give—not because we’ve received and have extra but because there is need. We give, trusting God to supply our needs and desires as he has promised, as he has demonstrated over and over again to us (Luke 6:38; Philippians 4:19). Talk to God about what additional gifts you could offer to glorify him, build his church, and support others.
DIG DEEPER
We usually think of the Old Testament as the place where judgments like the one in Acts 5 take place. Read Joshua 7. The same word, nosphizo, is also used in the Septuagint (Greek version of the Old Testament) to describe Achan’s actions. What happened to Achan and his family when they kept back some of the spoils that were supposed to be dedicated to the Lord?
Read Mark 12:41-44. Contrast Sapphira and her husband and the widow. Why do you think each gave the amount they did?
Read Job 1. What place does money have in your life? If you lost most of your family, possessions, and your livelihood in a single day as Job did, how would you respond? Could you worship God and say what Job said in verse 21?
Nancy J. Baker
This devotion is part of our series on the book of Acts.