No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. (Acts 4:32)
Back in 1987 I took a trip to Europe, and while in Paris, France, I stayed at a Christian hostel where those who stayed there were expected to share in all chores such as cleaning, cooking, and doing dishes. The chores were placed on a board each day and no one questioned the fairness of the assignments.
Likewise, meals were prepared together, eaten together, and shared equally among the people staying there. No one claimed to have his or her own coffee mug, glass, or eating utensil. Everything available there was shared by all.
Though I was at the Point du Jour Hostel for just a mere three weeks, during that time I learned the importance of giving each person a fair share of the use of everything within that place. For the duration of each person’s stay, including my own, that hostel was their home and no one would say otherwise.
I never saw any of those people I met at that hostel again, but for a moment in my life, we were all family, just as the apostles were family for one another and counted on the reciprocity of good deeds among them.
If our society learns to live in unity, we can enjoy a world where peace is our welcome mat, where no one ever goes hungry, and where fairness and justice reign over all.
Give to others what you would like to receive.
Luska Natali is a native of Brazil who is passionate about God, her family, learning new languages (she fluently speaks three), and meeting people.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
