“They received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people.” (Acts 2:46-47)
What do you notice in other Christians? Or what do they see in you? After the coming of the Holy Spirit, the first Christians continued to gather in the temple to pray and praise God. The temple was the place where sacrifices were offered. Through sacrifice, sins were confessed and forgiveness received. Offering something was also a way to give thanks to God. Moreover, the temple was the place where people were taught about God, where songs of praise and prayers were offered. Now a new song of praise to God sounded in the temple. Praise for what Jesus had accomplished. Offerings were no longer necessary. But, at first, the new believers continued to gather in the temple. The devotional worship of God and the behavior of the first Christians did not go unnoticed by the people of Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit guided the followers of Jesus to a new way of life. This made visible what Jesus’ love means concretely in people’s lives. This is still true today. The Holy Spirit helps us to make Jesus’ love visible to others. Thus, we are God’s message for those around us.
Read: Acts 2:47 and Acts 5:12-16
Question: What happened through the work and presence of the Holy Spirit? What is your desire for people around you? Bring this to God in prayer, both personally and with others.