Early Church Generosity: A Biblical Model for the New Year

 “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.”

Acts 4:32

Dear Friends,

Reflecting on the Year with Gratitude

The end of the year is often a time of reflection –  a moment to look back over the previous twelve months and consider all that has taken place. When I was young, our church held an annual Watch Night Service, and my grandfather would read through a list of the year’s major events. It was a meaningful time of corporate remembrance, a chance to pause and acknowledge all God had done. I still cherish that tradition, even though I now practice it privately.

End-of-Year Finances and a Heart to Give

Another area Dad and I reflect on at year’s end is our finances. As December 31 approaches, like many others, we take time to get things in order. We pay bills, make last-minute retirement contributions for tax purposes, and establish a budget for the coming year. But beyond planning and preparation, we also love to share with others as God gives us the ability.

Early Church Generosity: One Heart and One Mind

Scripture tells us that God loves a cheerful giver, yet few examples of generosity rival that of the early church. Luke describes a community marked by unity, believers who were one in heart and mind. They did not view their possessions as private property but willingly shared what they had with their brothers and sisters in Christ. Because of this early church generosity, God’s grace worked powerfully among them. There were no needy persons; everyone was cared for and able to thrive.

Barnabas: A Living Example of Sacrificial Giving

One especially generous member of the early church was a man named Joseph, a Levite from the island of Cyprus. Known for his kindness and encouragement, the apostles gave him the nickname Barnabas, meaning “son of encouragement.” Barnabas embodied generosity. At one point, he sold a field he owned and brought the proceeds to the apostles to be used as needed. His selfless act stands as a beautiful example of sacrificial giving for the good of others.

What Could Change If We Lived This Way Today?

It’s worth pausing to ask: What would our world look like today if we embraced this same spirit of generosity?

Perhaps hunger and poverty would decrease. God’s grace would overflow more visibly. Our personal testimonies would grow stronger, and maybe more people would be drawn to the hope of the gospel. I imagine we would also experience greater joy and fulfillment as we learned to loosen our grip on what we own.

The Bible speaks often about money. While there is nothing inherently wrong with having it, Scripture reminds us to remember where it comes from – and to Whom it ultimately belongs. When we keep that perspective, generosity becomes a joy rather than a burden.

Biblical Wisdom About Money and Possessions

Several passages reflect the heart of the early church and offer wise instruction regarding money:

Proverbs 3:9–10
“Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”

Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

1 Timothy 6:9–10
“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”

Carrying Generosity Into the New Year

As we prepare to ring in 2026, may we remember with gratitude all that God has entrusted to us. And may we strive to reflect the early church’s generosity – not just during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year.

Love,

Mama

If this reflection encouraged you, I’d love to hear from you. Visit me at www.versesfrommama.com, share this post with a friend, and let’s continue encouraging one another to live generously for God’s glory.