People are more important than things. The patriarch Abraham demonstrated this when he gave his nephew first choice of the pasture lands in Genesis 13. Both men had been greatly blessed by God with livestock that conflict arose between their shepherds over where the flocks would graze and live.
God had promised the land to Abraham, but rather than trying to clutch it for himself and continue the strife with his nephew, Abraham graciously deferred. This is how we should live: people who’ve been given grace should freely give grace to others.
Abraham trusted God would provide for him and keep His promises, so he was free to let go of his possessions in the present. Peace and family relationships were more important than things. Are we like this?
Do we offer others our very best, or do we only part with our leftovers? When something is broken or lost, do we respond with grace or with gruffness? Don’t people need to be taught responsibility? Not more than they need to be taught about grace.
Jesus is our prime Example. He did not clutch His divine privileges to Himself, but instead humbled Himself to die on a cross for our sins (Philippians 2:5-11). He was rich in the glory of heaven, yet for our sakes He became poor—to make us rich in salvation (2 Corinthians 8:9)!
It is the kindness of God that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4), and it just might be our kindness to someone who doesn’t deserve it that leads them to a change of heart.
That first church in Acts 2 rejoiced together in sweet Christian fellowship. They gladly shared what they had with whoever had a need. May God raise our affections for Him and for others high above our love for stuff.
