Saturday 25, July 2026

The matter of giving and receiving generates mixed messages in ‘sacred’ spaces. Some deem it essential for ministry; others do not see it as important. What are our views? And when we read Today’s Holy Nougat, do we hear an invitation for us as believers to live a life of generosity?

Acts 4:34-35 CEVDCI

[34] and no one went in need of anything. Everyone who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money

[35] to the apostles. Then they would give the money to anyone in need.

They Handed It Over

Luke’s repetition of such a simple, uncommon act leads me to wonder whether giving was a challenge for Theophilus’ community. It is the case in many churches today. Some give for the wrong reasons; others give without understanding what was happening then. We argue internally and externally about whether we should tithe, where to tithe, and if we should tithe on the gross or net pay. I can’t guarantee answers to all those – it’s between us and God – but I offer us a few considerations. While our previous reflection spoke of God’s grace and favour being outpoured on the worshipping community, here Luke underscores that land and/or houses were sold to benefit the entire community. Essentially, they all handed over everything they had to establish and support this new community.

I’ll admit to having mixed feelings about this issue. Whether or not the homeowners worked, as a person living in the 21st century, I’m fixated on the question of accommodation – where did the homeowners live after handing all their money over to the apostles? We can assume that there was some kind of communal accommodation, or that the meeting place had shelters, but that isn’t actually stated. Perhaps – it may have been as I’ve now been thinking – the monies were reallocated to ensure that every adult owned a home. If that was the case, that is amazing! Giving, rather, living simply for the benefit of others in need, is worth emulating.

Self-Check

How much would we sacrifice for the benefit of our worship community? Are there specific contexts that determine different responses?

Digging Deeper

While I’m not inclined to focus for long on the other possibilities of the people’s giving, I would caution us yet again about embracing this kind of giving, unless led by God’s Spirit. There are unscrupulous people in the world. In their worldview, receiving the Widow’s Mite or the out-poured alabaster perfume is their due. When we read beyond the notification that everyone gave everything to the apostles, we realise that God’s plan is for everyone to thrive.

Luke clearly states that the apostles shared the proceeds received with anyone in need. They did not keep it to themselves. What they received benefited all. This practice continues in most churches with which I’m familiar. The congregation’s tithes and offerings do not only pay the minister and other staff, but benefits the wider community. Often, this means that monies are centrally managed so that all ministers in the denomination benefit. Others opt for local management. In both cases, several other internal ministries are supported from our giving. (These days, what is received does not always meet the cost of living to pay decent salaries as well as support all the congregation’s ministries!!!!!)

With the increase in online worship spaces globally, some of us may feel that there’s no need for giving. If that’s our source for spiritual growth, please reconsider a decision to withhold giving. An effective online ministry requires resources. It may not benefit a physical community directly – although some do. If we were to calculate all that is required to make a polished online service, we would find it is expensive. An online service demands different technical capacities that are time-consuming. As we seek to be fed, literally and spiritually, let us discern which of our resources – time, talent and treasure – God desires that we hand over to our worshipping community. Remember, God deserves them all.

Points to Ponder

How does this Nougat inspire or challenge us in relation to our giving? Do we trust our leaders to manage what we’ve sacrificed to God? Is it actually a sacrifice (would God be happy with our gift)? Selah

—

May all we seek be found in Christ