Radical Generosity (Praxis Series) - Tim Knipp (Acts 2:42-47)

Cracked earth,
sterile seeds,
dry-baked skies -
all of these
ravaged the land
and pulled it out
from under us,
leaving us nothing
but wits and sinew
and fear
for the future.

Open handed generosity
spilled out
and overflowed,
soaking into the cracks
of need.
Property and possessions
became tools
offered up to benefit others
rather than
accumulations
that measured worth
and status.

Grace goaded them
into generous giving.

(Acts 4:33b-34a)

Having been rescued

from certain

death at the moment

of execution,

gratitude exploded.

(1 John 3:17)

Familial ties

embraced all believers,

connecting them

to the lineage

of David -

purpose driven and

chosen for so much 

more.

Resurrection promised

justice 

and the righting 

of crookedness.

No need to fear tomorrow,

for God is at work

in the world.

Grace.

Gratitude.

Generosity.

Radical generosity

reflects grace -

yet possessions

so often possess us

as we cling fearfully

to our stuff -

my stuff -

and look at others 

through the bars

of our things.