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. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

How did the early believers, over 5,000 of them, build such trust and brotherhood among themselves to have everything in common? What gave them the confidence, the generosity of spirit, and the deep care and concern for each other?

They were most disciplined in their approach to living out the gospel. They prayed, studied God’s word through the Apostles’ teaching, fellowshipped, broke bread together, and served together. They became close in the trenches of spiritual ministry, like the men in a military unit draw close and rely on each other.

And this discipline to follow Jesus’ example together created a very strong bond of relationship — stronger than any earthly bond could ever make — it was the bond of the Holy Spirit working among them. This unity of heart and mind was not a “group think”, where no one has any of their own ideas. It was a special focus on putting God’s priorities and objectives first.

Out of this unity of the Holy Spirit in heart and mind sprung incredible generosity — they shared everything in common. They saw a need and met a need. No one was needy among them.

The faith preached by the Apostles, fortified by the Christ-like actions of the church, resulted in an active and lived out gospel message. The truth reinforced by fully-surrendered lives to Jesus is a bright light in a dark world, a powerful force for good. And this gives us a great model to follow in our lives as well.

What steps can I take to grow in the disciplines required to unify in mind and heart with my brothers and sisters in Christ? How can I lay my rights and “righteous rules” down, and focus on applying the grace of God to those who are in need of a Savior? Maybe I am in need too?

Lord, forgive me for making too much out of myself and my churchy ways. Have I settled for the comforts of a set of righteous rules like the Pharisees did, instead of reaching out to the “imperfect hurting” around me? Maybe I am imperfect and hurting too? Focus my eyes on the mission of rescuing souls from the dead. Teach me to humble myself and be satisfied with simply seeing a need and meeting a need.