Acts 4:32 “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.”

The end of the year is often a time of reflection -  a moment to look back over the previous 12 months and consider all that has taken place. When I was young, our church held an annual Watch Night Service, and my grandfather would read through a list of the year’s major events. It was a meaningful time of corporate remembrance, a chance to pause and acknowledge all God had done. I still cherish that tradition, even though I now practice it privately.

Now that we’ve entered 2026, consider how you might share with others as God gives you the opportunity.

Scripture tells us that God loves a cheerful giver, yet few examples of generosity rival that of the early church. Luke describes a community marked by unity, believers who were one in heart and mind. They did not view their possessions as private property but willingly shared what they had with their brothers and sisters in Christ. Because of this early church generosity, God’s grace worked powerfully among them. There were no needy persons; everyone was cared for and able to thrive.

One especially generous member of the early church was a man named Joseph, a Levite from the island of Cyprus. Known for his kindness and encouragement, the apostles gave him the nickname “Barnabas,” meaning “son of encouragement.” Barnabas embodied generosity. At one point, he sold a field he owned and brought the proceeds to the apostles to be used as needed. His selfless act stands as a beautiful example of sacrificial giving for the good of others.

It’s worth pausing to ask: What would our world look like today if we embraced this same spirit of generosity?

Perhaps hunger and poverty would decrease. God’s grace would overflow more visibly. Our personal testimonies would grow stronger, and maybe more people would be drawn to the hope of the gospel. I imagine we would also experience greater joy and fulfillment as we learned to loosen our grip on what we own.

The Bible speaks often about money. While there is nothing inherently wrong with having it, Scripture reminds us to remember where it comes from - and to Whom it ultimately belongs. When we keep that perspective, generosity becomes a joy rather than a burden.

As we start 2026, may we remember with gratitude all that God has entrusted to us. And may we strive to reflect the early church’s generosity throughout the entire year.