Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need (Acts 4: 34-35).

[Editor’s note: This week, as part of our Inner Strength series, we’re exploring generously hearted, the fourth of our church’s five core values, using Barnabas as an example.]

I view myself as a problem-solver.  When I see the word “generous,” I connect that directly to solving a problem.  If I’m going to give something, whether it’s time, money, or sweat, it’s because there’s a problem and I can solve it!  

These verses in Acts 4 describe a community where no one was lacking. It’s about a community which was not only sharing the Good News, but living the Gospel by sharing with one another, as well as those in need.  But my “problem solving” lens leads me to immediately focus on the man mentioned at the end, Barnabas. 

I first see Barnabas not as a member of a generous community, but as a problem-solver.  My first instinct is to summarize the passage like this:

Apostles: “We have a problem!”

Barnabas: “Yo! I’ll solve it!”

Barnabas sees the need and he swoops in to help.  He’s a wealthy man who sells some land and lays the money down at the feet of the apostles.  The apostles have a problem, and he has the resources to solve it.  

But that’s not what the story is about. There’s a reason the author describes the community first.  Communities that act in the name of Jesus to welcome, embrace, and serve people are at the heart of a generous community!   

Problem-solving is an important part, but God puts our focus first on people-serving.

Barnabas’s financial generosity was his way of serving people as part of a generous community.  It’s also important to acknowledge all the other people-servers in the community who translated those financial gifts into food, clothing, medicine, or shelter. 

I think about those who cooked meals for people who were hungry.  I think about those who provided clothing for people who were lacking.  I think about those who gave care and attention to people who were sick. 

Being part of the generous community of Jesus is not about the magnitude or multitude of your gifts.  It’s not just about solving problems, but seeing people, and serving them.  In a generous community, everyone is included.  No matter what our gifts may be, Jesus calls us to offer them, so that all may be blessed and share in his grace. 

Jesus calls us to be part of a generous community. And that calling is bigger than just giving money or solving problems.  What does the Chatham Community Church value of being “generously hearted” mean for you?