Article June 27, 1988 Issue

The giving that counts most

With so many people in need, and so many ways to give, what kind of giving does the most good? And how can we do better at it?

Barbara R. Pettis

The book of Acts presents a thought-provoking account of giving. As Peter and John prepared to enter the temple to pray, a man, crippled since birth, who daily sat at the gate of the temple, asked alms of the two disciples.

As the man waited expectantly, Peter explained that he had no money but instead offered his gift of the transforming power of the Christ. The man was healed instantly.

The disciples' response to this plea for monetary assistance was one that must have forever changed the petitioner's life, regenerating him and providing a permanent solution to his problems. So great was the man's gratitude and so clear was his understanding that his help had come from God that "he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God."^{See Acts 3:1-11.}

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