Devotion #5: Open Hands
“And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.” Acts 2:44-45
In Acts chapter 2, we read about Pentecost, a Jewish harvest festival that takes place fifty days after Passover. It is here that the early Church begins to take form, and what stands out to me in these verses is the emphasis on coming together. They are breaking bread and caring for one another.
The idea of community is becoming increasingly foreign in a world that is shifting toward individualism, where self-centeredness is on the rise. In contrast, the early Church thrived by depending on both God and one another. One key way they did this was by supporting each other and meeting any needs that came up, demonstrating the power of God’s transforming love.
Romans 12:13 (NIV) says, “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
One commentator I read said, “The Jews had a tremendous custom of hospitality during any major feast like Pentecost. Visitors were received into private homes, and no one could charge for giving a bed or a room to a visitor or for supplying their basic needs. The Christians took this tremendous feast-time hospitality and made it an everyday thing.”
One of the defining characteristics of the early Church was its ability to extend hospitality beyond large gatherings and special events, incorporating it into daily life. Christians were recognized for their generosity, inviting others into their homes, meeting needs, and sharing what they had with those around them. This spirit of hospitality became a hallmark of what it meant to be a Christian.
It is unsurprising that in our culture today, that is not how the world would define a Christian. Offering genuine hospitality often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and be vulnerable, extending ourselves in ways that can feel draining. It means prioritizing others over our own plans and being present, even when we are busy or tired. At times, we may find ourselves hesitating because of the effort it takes to welcome others into our lives, or because we fear the emotional investment it might require. Yet, when we examine the life of Jesus, we see that hospitality was not just about offering a meal or a place to stay. It was about opening our hearts and our lives to others, regardless of the cost. In the end, true Christian hospitality is not just an action; it is a reflection of a heart willing to give and to love, even at the expense of our own comfort.
As a church, my prayer is that we stand out, not by focusing on ourselves, but by showing the world what it means to care for one another. May we be known for living with open hands by offering our love, resources, and lives to those around us.