More of the Story: Needing each other

Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. ~ Acts 4:32-37
Every human interaction offers you the chance to make things better or to make things worse. ~ Barbara Brown Taylor
Things had already been worse.

 The teacher had been killed. The followers scattered.

 And before that even, the Romans had subjected them all to the Pax Romana - a very un-peaceful way to live.

 Economically, politically, socially, things were pretty bad for the Jewish people living in Palestine.

 And yet as the Spirit of God spread outward - catching up all manner of different types of people - community was born out of the oddest sorts.

 Human interaction was important as people learned what it meant to be followers of the risen Christ.

 They depended on each other. They gave freely to each other and to those outside of their communities who were in need. 

 They knew that they just plain needed each other. 

 Sometime, sadly, human interactions in communities of faith aren't always as loving.

 But the option is there. The gift is given. The hope is ready to be realized. 

 All we have to do is reach out our hand and find there is someone there waiting to grab it - someone we can depend on!
Prayer: Lord, we need each other. Remind us how much! Amen

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