Acts 4:9
“if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed,”
Peter makes the obvious point. They are on trial for doing a good deed. This trial would make more sense if they had slapped the beggar in the face and taken money out of his jar, but they are on trial for healing him. They are thrown in jail and now on trial for a good deed. This seems to be the life of an apprentice of Jesus. To do good and suffer is to be a Christ follower. Where did hospitals come from? Where was education for the poor birthed from? Where did relief for the poor come from? You guessed it, the Christ following Church. People who believed they received the best gift ever imagined in salvation, and turned around and freely gave it to others in physical and spiritual healing, despite the outcome or persecution.
We freely received
We freely give
Even when we get slapped in the face for it, thrown in jail, or brought before a judge. We must be strong and courageous in this world to continue to do the right thing, the right way, with the right heart and get punished for it. Father God, continue to grow this conviction inside of me to do Your will and work alongside of You no matter the consequences or outcome. Allow me to lay down my preconceived ideas and outcomes, and align my heart, soul, mind and strength to Your Kingdom plan, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
ACTION: Give beyond the hurt