The fourth in our series of Lent devotions.
My early remembrances of sharing concerned my sister. We were referred to as “Irish twins” — born 10 months apart. We shared a crib, and we shared clothing. I was even told that when she cried, I often shared my thumb for her to suck. My natural reaction was to feel responsible for my sister if she was in need.
God calls us to share generously. The Lenten season is often thought of as a time of sacrifice or a time to give something up. Indeed, the passage above from Acts encourages sharing our possessions with others.
However, we can miss the point if we focus — as we often do — on our stuff. The power of the early church came from its single-minded purpose: the desire to witness to the resurrection of Jesus. It wasn’t about giving up possessions; it was about demonstrating God’s love.
Early Christians continued to live out God’s call to care for those in need. They felt deep responsibility for each other and cared for one another so that the world would know Jesus.
That is our vision at Habitat. We want to draw closer to a world where everyone has a decent place to live. We want to remove systems and barriers that keep people from having adequate shelter, and we want to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope. We do it all so the world will know Jesus.
During this season of Lent, when we are focusing on the kind of “agape” love that calls us to act selflessly for the well-being of others, let us share generously in all areas of our lives. That should not be difficult if we truly believe that everything we have comes from God.
What can you share during Lent? Maybe God is calling you to offer your time and talents to work on a Habitat build or to volunteer at your local soup kitchen or hospital. Maybe God is calling you to be a peacemaker or to give more time to a spouse, child, parent or friend. Maybe God is calling you to share your treasure.
May we listen with our hearts and be willing to share with radical generosity.
Lord, draw us together as Your followers that we might feel compassion and responsibility for one another. Call on us to meet the needs of those around us and far away. Help us to find joy in sharing generously so that the world may know You. Amen.
