This post is written by Matt Rogers as a companion for Unit 30, Session 4 of The Gospel Project for Adults, Volume 10: From Many People to One People (Winter 2023-24).
The people of God have been known for radical generosity. The very first mention of the church following Pentecost reveals the generosity of the people immediately following their conversion. Luke wrote that they “sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need” (Acts 2:45, CSB). Later in Acts 4, Luke once again called attention to the generosity of the church: “No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common” (v. 32) and “all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need” (vv. 34-35).
Our world is filled with need. This point is inarguable. The question that’s often debated and discussed is how we should go about meeting these various needs. Economists, sociologists, and politicians are among those who supply answers to addressing issues like poverty. With the advent of modern technology, now anyone with a phone can also lob their opinions in the mix. Many times these conversations get heated or devolve into soapbox speeches that lack substance. Other times, the ideas themselves are good, but it can be difficult to think about how to deploy the ideas in a world that is hotly divided.
One often overlooked answer to need is the local church. Paul exhorted local church members: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). For most of us, we have no shortage of opportunity to do good. Everywhere we look, people are hurting and in need. Even within our church community, needs abound. Some of these needs may be physical, but many more are social or emotional needs that people have. Far too often, Christians look outside of the church to meet those needs.
What would change if the church felt a bond of unity that compelled the various members to seek out the good of everyone else? It seems that this level of interconnectedness is what Paul had in mind when he wrote, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).
The act of looking out for the interests of others is active. You don’t merely stumble into knowing and addressing the interests of others. You have to be aware. You have to take notice of those around you who are hurting.
To notice, you have to be close. The modern realities of declining church attendance means that, in many cases, we are simply not around others in our church enough to know of their needs, much less meet them. We have to give ourselves to the various ministries of the church, but more we have to invest in the people of the church. We have to get to know them in such a way that they would feel safe sharing their needs with us. We have to have relationships that would allow us to know if something is just off about someone else.
Finally, looking out for the interest of others requires action. We can’t merely feel sorry for their situation or wish them well in hopes that things improve. Rather, we have to get in the mix with them and find out how to attend to their needs. If there are physical needs, then members of the church should address those. This generosity isn’t merely for the wealthy members of the church, but for all of God’s people. If the needs are emotional, church members should rally to the person to listen, support, and pray. If the needs are relational, then where better than the local church to find connection to others who can provide that relational support?
It stands to reason that if the church were to live in this way, then the world would take notice. Poverty and need would not go away overnight, but the needle would move in a way that would call attention to the Lord’s work through His church. And, as the needle moves, there would be ample opportunities for evangelism. Imagine the magnetism of the church that lived to meet the needs of its members. Radical generosity can continue to be a defining mark of the people of God in a world where need everywhere.
Matt Rogers is the pastor of Christ Fellowship Cherrydale in Greenville, South Carolina. He and his wife, Sarah, have five children: Corrie, Avery, Hudson, Willa, and Fuller. Matt is also an assistant professor of church planting at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, the church development coordinator with the Pillar Network, and a freelance author.
