Be a Sacrificial Couple
By: Michelle Lazurek
“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who needed them.” Acts 2:44-45
Leaving our former church after many years in ministry was tough on us. Attending a bigger church was a new concept, considering we'd been used to leading smaller churches the entire time we'd been married. I worried about finding a place to serve, and if there was a financial need in our home, I wondered if we could count on someone in the church to help us.
One of the church's core values is to love God and serve all. They also adopt an attitude of giving sacrificially of their resources. It became abundantly clear that this church lived out what it believed when I began attending a Bible study where the women met every need in their group. So many women donated their baby's clothes, adult clothes, toys, and other goods so everyone in the group could have what they needed. Additionally, they helped volunteer to set up services in the church and, as a group, volunteered their time at church-wide events. I quickly found a place to serve, which also met an emotional need in my life.
Because of this model of service, it was easy for us to decide to help a young couple facing financial hardship. One day, as we talked with them, they said they were falling behind on paying their mortgage. After the encounter, we prayed, and I approached my husband one day. “What do you think about helping them out?” I asked. We scraped together some additional funds and gave the money to them in a card on one random day. They were so grateful and commented on how much of a great blessing it was to them.
Although this new church is the model for sacrificial giving, the book of Acts has set the stage for our generous and cheerful giving. In the above verse, the Acts church thought nothing of selling property and giving to all who had need. They met every person's needs within the church. Because of this, the Lord grew them exponentially because they chose to put others first. God knew the hearts of the people who attended the Acts Church.
He knew they had a heart to serve and love each other in the same way, and the Lord is blessing this new church because they have adopted the same model. Every person loves and cares for each other and gives to all who have need. This is especially true for those with limited money yet still provide other money and resources whenever possible. Because of this, the church is growing exponentially.
Not only did our gift change that couple's life, but it also changed our lives. It helped me not just to give but to give sacrificially. I noticed my heart change as well. I grew more compassionate and was quicker to help those in need. Their example made us see the many needs around us. It also showed us that we had more resources than we realized and should give accordingly. If we love the church we must act like the actual church model. We need to give to all who need it; if we don't, sell our possessions to get it. God wants his children to give to everyone to meet their needs. Because of this, the church shines, and the Lord blesses and increases their number.
As a couple, examine the needs within your local church. Are there places where you could give sacrificially? Are there resources or material possessions that you have that you could sell to create more money to give away? Not only are we to be the church, but we also must give to everyone accordingly. As a couple, we also need to adopt an attitude of great sacrifice and generosity. Not only will God grow the church's number, but it will also strengthen our marriage.
Father, let us be a couple who gives to everyone generously. Let us be people who give of our resources and sacrifice so that others can have. Strengthen our marriage because of our generosity. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/MangoStarStudio
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