Doing Life Together

Today’s reading is out of Acts 2:42-47. Begin today’s devotion by reading this passage in your Bible.

Cultivating strong family relationships isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. We see a great example of this in the early church in Acts. These first Christ-followers lived life together as a family unit, and it was a powerful witness to the world around them. Their life together was marked by a deep love for God, a commitment to one another and a willingness to sacrifice for the benefit of others. As a result, it brought about positive change to society and advanced the message of Jesus to the entire known world at the time. Read and reflect on the passage below to see how they lived together. Then, begin to dream of what your family could look like if you took steps in this direction.

Acts 2:42-47 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Reflect

1. According to this passage, what were the practices of the early Christ followers? Which of the practices inspire and excite you?
2. Which of these practices do you find is the easiest for you to be devoted to? Why? Which is the hardest? Why?
3. How does this passage and the practices it describes color the picture you have of family life?
4. Sacrifice for the sake of the family is part of the journey of a Christ follower. Here are some of the ways we can sacrifice for our family: our time, our right to always have and do the things we want, our money and resources, our personal agendas that don’t fit the family’s goals. What is God asking you to sacrifice for your family at this time?

Act

Prayerfully make a list of the practices (traditions, habits, rhythms from Acts 2) that you need to incorporate into your family. List out the ones you need to let go of. Commit to praying for each member of your family today. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal ways in which you can serve them.

Pray

Father, thank You for welcoming me into Your family. Help me remember that I don’t have to do life alone. So, guide me as I cultivate deep and meaningful relationships. Use those relationships to spur me on in my spiritual journey and use them to reach the world for You. In Jesus’ name, amen.