Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you.
In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” – Acts 3:6, NIV
Devotional About Giving – Day 9
Peter and John entered the local temple. Along the path into the church, beggars would often sit beside the road. Since many of them were disabled, the only way they could earn money would be to beg for kindness from the Christians entering the church.
One of the beggars was a man who’d been disabled since birth. He called out to Peter and John for charity. But what happened next changed his life.
Peter said, “I don’t have money to share with you. But I can share something even better! In the name of Jesus, walk!” Then he helped the beggar to his feet.
The man couldn’t stop looking at his feet. He’d spent years staring at them, silently willing them to heal. As a kid, he’d begged to wake up with two legs that worked perfectly.
He wiggled his toes. He lifted his foot, taking one halting step and another. Then he broke out into joyful laughter. He started to leap and run, entering the church with such happiness that every head turned to stare.
Peter and John had nothing to give to a beggar. Through Jesus, they gave him more than mobility. They gave him hope and a new identity. No longer was he the disabled beggar. He was now a favored child of the Lord.
Like Peter, you may not have money to help out someone in need. But you don’t have to give money to someone—you can provide hope. Do this by speaking life over them and their dreams.
God, put someone who needs encouragement and kindness into my path. I’d like to speak life over a hurting heart today.
