Aⲁmaal Ar Rusul 11 - HBN & CEVUS06

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Giving is a powerful act that reflects the heart of God and His desire for us to live generously. Throughout the Bible, we find numerous teachings that emphasize the importance and impact of giving. Whether it’s through offering our time, resources, or love, the act of giving not only blesses others but also enriches our own lives. Here are seven Bible verses that highlight the power of giving and encourage us to embrace a life of generosity.

1. Acts 20:35 “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

When we give to others, especially those in need, we are not only helping them but also experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes from generosity. It reminds us that true happiness is found in selflessness.

2. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

The emphasis on giving cheerfully reminds us that our attitude matters. God values a heart that gives freely and joyfully, knowing that our contributions can lead to abundant blessings.

3. Proverbs 11:25 “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Generosity is not just about meeting the needs of others; it also brings personal renewal and prosperity. When we give, we often receive in return, not necessarily in material wealth, but in spiritual and emotional well-being. The act of giving refreshes both the giver and the recipient.

4. Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Jesus emphasizes the abundance that comes from giving. The imagery of a generous measure being returned to us illustrates that our giving will not go unnoticed or unrewarded. When we give with an open heart, we can expect God’s blessings to overflow in our lives.

5. Matthew 6:3-4 “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

We should give quietly and humbly, without seeking recognition or praise. The focus is on the sincerity and purity of our giving. God sees our acts of kindness, even when they are done in secret, and He will reward us accordingly. It reminds us that true giving is done for the benefit of others, not for personal glory.

6. Hebrews 13:16 “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Sharing what we have with others is a sacrifice that pleases God. This verse highlights the importance of being mindful of others’ needs and taking action to meet them. It serves as a reminder that our acts of generosity are not just good deeds; they are expressions of our faith and love for God.

7. James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

All we have comes from God. Recognizing that every gift we receive is from Him encourages us to be generous in sharing those gifts with others. When we give, we are participating in God’s work, distributing His blessings to those around us.

Conclusion

The Bible teaches that giving is a powerful way to express our faith, love, and gratitude. These verses reveal that generosity not only impacts those we help but also enriches our own lives, bringing us closer to God and His purposes. Whether through our resources, time, or compassion, giving allows us to reflect God’s love in a tangible way, creating a ripple effect of blessings that extend far beyond what we can see. By embracing a spirit of generosity, we open ourselves up to experience the fullness of life that God desires for us.

Buṯrus gwaŋiyo dhuŋuna dhuŋun

Peter: Defending that church is for everyone

God’s love is for all people, regardless of background, and we are called to embrace diversity within the body of Christ. Peter came from a culture where other people were ritually unclean and he couldn’t even eat with them. Thanks to his faith in God, he understood that all Christians, regardless of background or nationality are his brothers and sisters in Christ.

1 Dina ma liji lina lukejinu a limega lina lijo gi Yahuudiiya diŋini darnu Liumam ko limuminyi dhuŋuna dha Kalo. 2 A dina ma Buṯrus alo gi Urushaliim, a liji la liduŋw lina lurtedhinu kijo Buṯrusuŋw dhugore, 3 alarnu, Ŋa gwudhi gi dunu gwa liji lina lati lurtedhinu no, nyaleny. 4 Albi Buṯrus aŋajo dhuŋuna dhina dhijo kwerkwereny, ŋwuromaje galo ŋwulaici, 5 Nyi gwijo gi len lina lan Yaafa, nyibi je dabiŋaijo Kaloŋa; nyuthi gimirala gi je ganu jiny nyaŋa dhuŋuna dhina dhiro ŋinena dhiŋidi kwoiny gwulo, gwiro ŋinena malaaya gwina gwipa ŋwubil ŋwai kworoŋo gi Sama; ŋwula diginy. 6 Nyibi je didatiŋa nyireye je nono, nyi baŋa dhola dha gidhila a owaŋ a ŋidi ŋina ŋathelila galo nyari nyai a nyira nya Sama. 7 Nyibidiŋini ŋwal nyilaicinu, Buṯrus gwai, diro, dhugo a ŋeny. 8 Nyibarnu, Oo, Kweleny gwai. Kwoŋ gweda gwina gwati gwiŋir deny i gwina gwiro ŋirle gwati gwuni gi jiŋai ganu jiny gatur no. 9 Nyibi ŋwal abiŋaijo manaŋ gi Sama alarnu, Ŋidi ŋina ŋijuriyilo Kalo, athaŋa arnu ŋiro ŋirle no. 10 A dhuŋun ibidha je ŋwamun ganu thiril dhiro minoŋ, a kwoŋ ibigwa alo gi Sama manaŋ. 11 A kaija ibige an liji thiril dhuna gi dunu gwina gwijinyina, lukejilo diginy gi Ges̱ariiya. 12

Nyibi Dhigirim aicinu lanalai ela, athinyi dhenyo gi ŋidi ŋeda no. Anela ko liji lai ibila nyiril lina liro limega, anuni gi dunu gwa kwiji. 13 A ji ŋeda abiŋaijo darnu akwai gwaŋadhi malaak gi dunu gwuŋun, gwidhunudhi a ŋwaicinu, Ukejo lijo gi Yaafa, alodha Simⓐaanuŋw gwina gwan Buṯrus; 14 a ŋeda gwaŋabiŋaijo dhuŋuna dhina dhaŋadhai gilaŋ, ŋa a liji la dunu gwuŋa peth. 15 A dina jiny dinyabiŋi, a Dhigirim dhina Dhiŋir ide degen, gwiro ŋinena iduŋwna dega ko kwereny. 16 Nyi baŋidhani dhuŋuna dha Kweleny gwina gwarnu, Yuuẖanna gwathiⓐamidhiye ŋau ŋai, abi nyaŋa laji laⓐamidhini Dhigirim dhai dhina Dhiŋir. 17 Ada limal Kalo dhedha dhedhaŋw tur gwiro ŋinena gwina dhedhijina ko dina mana uminyi Kwelenya gwina gwan Yasuuⓐ al Masiiẖ; abi nyi gwan ei nyibuthi ŋoma dekajo Kaloŋa? 18 A dina maldiŋini dhuŋuna ibidha, alje jigwoiny. Almajidhe Kaloŋa, alarnu, Kalo gimadhedha Liumam dhudhanuŋw ganu gi ŋidi ŋina ŋike dilbuje midhuŋw ko.

Kaniisa ga Liumam gi Anṯaakiiya

19 Abi lina libaiyo galo gi dhuŋun dhina dhibur dhina dhijo gi dhuŋun dha Istifaanuus alela Fiiniigiiya a Gubrus a Anṯaakiiya, athibi ŋediŋa abiŋaijo kwijo gweda dhuŋuna dha Kalo no abi Yahuud dogo. 20 Abi coŋ degen, lina liro liji la Gubrus a la Gerawaaniiya, dina malila Anṯaakiiya, alabiŋaijo Yuunaaniyiin ko, allabiŋaijo dhuŋuna dha Kweleny gwina gwan Yasuuⓐ. 21 A dhoi dha Kweleny je ŋediŋa lai, a liji uminyi loinyadho, alauradha di Kweleny. 22 A liji la kaniisa lina lathije gi Urushaliim diŋini dhuŋuna dhan ŋediŋa; alukeje Barnaabaŋw duŋwela gi Anṯaakiiya. 23 A dina muŋw obani, ŋwaŋa niⓐma gwa Kalo gwapo ŋiro, ŋwiŋir dhugore, a ŋwabiŋaijo lijo peth dilmuthini galo gi Kweleny dugor dai momaŋ; 24 ŋinena ruiuŋw kwiji gwina gwiŋir, a gwoinyadho Dhigirima dhina Dhiŋir a imaan. A liji loinyadho eladha di Kweleny. 25 A Barnaaba ela gi Ṯarsuus dibupe Shaawuluŋw. 26 A dina muŋwbuje, ŋwugwela gi Anṯaakiiya. Alje liduŋw gidhileo getipo peth gi kaniisa, alalimiye lijo loinyadho; a calmiz dhedhini jiriny jan Masiiẖiyiin kwerkwereny gi Anṯaakiiya.

Ŋidi ŋina ŋapilo Barnaabaŋa Shaawul gwai alŋela gi Urushaliim

27 A gi ŋwamun ibiŋwe a nebiŋa coŋ ula gi Urushaliim alela gi Anṯaakiiya. 28 A gweta dire degen ganu gwina gwan Aqaabuus, ŋwabiŋaijo lijo Dhigirim dhai ŋwarnu gidhuŋur gina gipa go githo duŋwje kidhila alaŋ peth; gina gijo ko gi ŋwamun ŋwa Kuluudiyuus Ges̱ar. 29 Gi dhuŋun dha gidhuŋur a calmiz ari jukeje ŋida ŋa dheny gweta gweta degen ganu gi ŋidi ŋina ŋuthuŋwulo gi limega lina lathije gi Yahuudiiya. 30 Alapai dhuŋuna ibidha, allukeje gi shiyuuk gi doi da Barnaaba a Shaawul.

Peter Reports to the Church in Jerusalem

1 The apostles and the followers in Judea heard that Gentiles had accepted God's message. 2 So when Peter came to Jerusalem, some of the Jewish followers started arguing with him. They wanted Gentile followers to be circumcised, and 3 they said, “You stayed in the homes of Gentiles, and you even ate with them!”

4 Then Peter told them exactly what had happened:

5 I was in the town of Joppa and was praying when I fell sound asleep and had a vision. I saw heaven open, and something like a huge sheet held by its four corners came down to me. 6 When I looked in it, I saw animals, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds. 7 I heard a voice saying to me, “Peter, get up! Kill these and eat them.”

8 But I said, “Lord, I can't do that! I've never taken a bite of anything that is unclean and not fit to eat.”

9 The voice from heaven spoke to me again, “When God says that something can be used for food, don't say it isn't fit to eat.” 10 This happened three times before it was all taken back into heaven.

11 Suddenly three men from Caesarea stood in front of the house where I was staying. 12 The Holy Spirit told me to go with them and not to worry. Then six of the Lord's followers went with me to the home of a man 13 who told us that an angel had appeared to him. The angel had ordered him to send to Joppa for someone named Simon Peter. 14 Then Peter would tell him how he and everyone in his house could be saved.

15 After I started speaking, the Holy Spirit was given to them, just as the Spirit had been given to us at the beginning. 16 I remembered that the Lord had said, “John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 17 God gave those Gentiles the same gift that he gave us when we put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. So how could I have gone against God?

18 When they heard Peter say this, they stopped arguing and started praising God. They said, “God has now let Gentiles turn to him, and he has given life to them!”

The Church in Antioch

19 Some of the Lord's followers had been scattered because of the terrible trouble that started when Stephen was killed. They went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, but they told the message only to the Jews.

20 Some of the followers from Cyprus and Cyrene went to Antioch and started telling Gentiles the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord's power was with them, and many people turned to the Lord and put their faith in him. 22 News of what was happening reached the church in Jerusalem. Then they sent Barnabas to Antioch.

23 When Barnabas got there and saw how God had blessed them with undeserved grace, he was very glad. So he begged them to remain faithful to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 Barnabas was a good man of great faith, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit. Many more people turned to the Lord.

25 Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul. 26 He found Saul and brought him to Antioch, where they met with the church for a whole year and taught many of its people. There in Antioch the Lord's followers were first called Christians.

27 During this time some prophets from Jerusalem came to Antioch. 28 One of them was Agabus. Then with the help of the Spirit, he told that there would be a terrible famine everywhere in the world. And it happened when Claudius was Emperor. 29 The followers in Antioch decided to send whatever help they could to the followers in Judea. 30 So they appointed Barnabas and Saul to take their gifts to the church leaders in Jerusalem.