Generosity and Wisdom

Baptist Daily Devotional
Jul 1
2 min read

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | July 1 2025 | Acts 11:27-30

KEY VERSE: “The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. This they did, entrusting their gifts to Barnabas and Saul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem. Acts 11:29-30 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

In a time of impending famine, the early Church responded not with fear but with generosity guided by wisdom. Acts 11:29-30 reveals how the believers in Antioch combined spiritual sensitivity with practical action. They discerned the moment, assessed their ability, and gave with purpose. Their response serves as a model for the Church today: generosity rooted in love and wisdom rooted in the Spirit.

Generosity is a "Spirit-natural" response for followers of Jesus Christ. We love and give and share and forgive because God first loved and gave and shared and forgave us in Jesus Christ. When Agabus came from Jerusalem and prophesied about a famine in the entire Roman world (Acts 11:27-28), the brothers and sisters in Antioch chose to send famine relief to their persecuted brothers and sisters in Jerusalem and Judea.

Christian stewardship must be guided by wisdom. “This they did, sending their gift to the elders…” (v. 30). Their giving wasn’t random - it was thoughtful. The Church entrusted the offering to trusted leaders (Barnabas and Saul) and directed it to established elders in Jerusalem. This shows that Spirit-led generosity must be accompanied by Spirit-led stewardship. Biblical generosity isn’t impulsive - it’s wise, prayerful, and well-directed. Giving with wisdom ensures that help reaches the right hands and fulfils God’s purpose without waste or confusion. Compassion, with wisdom, must be an integral part of any fellowship involving the use of funds given by Jesus' disciples. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Do you give thoughtfully and prayerfully, or only when you feel emotionally moved? When generosity is guided by wisdom, it becomes a powerful expression of love that meets needs and builds unity in the Body of Christ. Like the believers in Antioch, may we give not just what we can, but with purpose, prayer, and compassion.

PRAYER:

Father, thank You for calling me to participate in Your mission through generosity. Help me to give not just with my hands, but with wisdom from Your Spirit. Teach me to respond to needs with compassion and clarity, and to see my resources as tools for Your Kingdom. Let my giving unite AND heal PEOPLE, and glorify Jesus Christ. In His name, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING

Day 182: 2 Samuel 16 - David and Shimei

DAILY word study: ENSTRUSTED The Greek word for “entrusted” is paradidōmi (παραδίδωμι), which means “to hand over” or “to deliver into someone’s charge.”

To entrust something is to hand it over with confidence and intentionality. In Acts 11:30, the church didn't just give—they delivered their gifts into reliable hands. This reflects a deep sense of trust and responsibility. It wasn’t just about generosity, but about ensuring the gift fulfilled its mission.

Reflection:

When you give, do you also entrust? Are you thoughtful about how your giving impacts lives and furthers God’s purpose?