Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”
A simple truth to live by is that the only thing you can give to others is what you, yourself, already have. So even though many of us would love to pay off loved one’s mortgages or take friends on super nice vacations, we might not be able to afford such gifts. We don’t possess the money to give in that way. Many of us would love to instill great athletic or educational gifts onto our children, but we lack the skills or knowledge ourselves to do so. I can only give what I have myself. This often saddens many people as they “wish they could do more” for their loved ones.
However, this truth is nothing but wonderful news when it comes to who we are in Christ and all that He has made us through His Holy Spirit! Through our faith in what Jesus has done, we all have so much to give. As believers, we are powerful, rich, and hold the secrets of true life. Through His Spirit, God gives us life changing wisdom, love, and knowledge. We must never fail to see all that we are in Christ, or what we now have to offer those who are in need or lost! This reality is clearly seen in this week’s text.
Peter and John did not give earthy riches to help the lame beggar, because they themselves did not possess earthly riches. However, what they did have was even greater. They had the love of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit!
Today, so many inside the church don’t realize who they are as born-again believers and what they hold when filled with His spirit. As a believer, we hold the Truth of life that saves souls which we are living testimonies of. We hold the knowledge and wisdom of God’s word which serves as the light to the lost. We are filled with Holy Spirit power which the lost world knows nothing of. We have been given all of the gifts and made new in Jesus to glorify God and give others what we have been given.
Much like you, there are many things that I would like to give to my loved ones, but I can’t because I don’t process what is needed. However, praise God that I have the greatest gift that can ever be given. Greater than intellectual knowledge to obtain degrees, skills to expert athletic achievements, or money to bless, I hold the life changing power of God that He has given me to give to others.
Stay faithful church!
SCRIPTURE TO GO WITH THIS WEEK’S MESSAGE
Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 (highlight 8:9) as the scriptures speak on true riches.
