----OBJECT LESSONGS IN THE BIBLE ~~

----EXTENDING GRACE TO OTHERS ~~

----"God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all
that there were no needy persons among them." --

----OUR SON spent years of his life in a children's home prior to our adopting him. Before leaving the cinderblock building together to go home, we asked to collect his belongings. Sadly, he had none. We exchanged the clothes he was wearing for the new items we'd brought for him, and also left some clothing for other children. Even though I was grieved by how little he had, I rejoiced that we could now help meet his physical and emotional needs.

A few years later, we saw a person asking for donations for families in need. My son was eager to donate his stuffed animals and a few coins to help them. Given his background, he might have (understandably) been more inclined to hold tightly to his belongings. But he willfully wanted to help others.

I'd like to think the reason for his generous response was the same as that of the early church: "God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all" that nobody in their midst had need (Acts 4:33-34). The people willingly sold their own possessions to provide for one another's needs.

When we become aware of the needs of others, whether material or intangible, may God's grace be so powerfully at work in us that we respond as they did, willingly giving from our hearts to those in need. This makes us vessels of God's grace as fellow believers in Jesus. "one in heart and mind" (v.32).

--"Thank You, Lord God, for all You have given to me, including Your grace. Help me to extend Your grace to others. I praise You, O Lord, for choosing me to be Your child."
-ODB/KH~

--"CHOSEN" // (Kathryn Scott / Elle Limebear // <https://youtu.be/LHfOcZNIakc>
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