Unstoppable! 'Growth Can Cause Problems!' — Acts 6:1

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.
— Acts 6:1 NLT

Key Thought

The number of disciples increased rapidly as many people believed in Jesus as the Messiah! Some of the new believers had traveled to Jerusalem from foreign lands (Acts 2:5-11), so some of them spoke foreign languages. The needs of the Greek-speaking widows were not being met despite the believers' earlier efforts to help all among them with needs (Acts 4:32-37). Growth without loving concern causes problems that the evil one can exploit. We must listen and respond with grace and patience to address potentially divisive problems lovingly, quickly, fairly, and wisely! The early disciples did just that, so over the next few days, we will study how they did so. Their solution to the problem is an excellent example for us today.

Today's Prayer

O Father, may we be known as people who love each other as family. Please do not let racial, cultural, socio-economic status, political, or ethnic differences divide us and allow Satan a foothold to destroy the spread of the Good News of Jesus. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Galatians 2:7-10, 3:26-29; Revelation 7:9-12
  • John 13:31-35; 1 John 4:7-12

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'With Dancing' (Ps. 149:3-4)
"Praise his name with dancing, accompanied by tambourine and harp. For the Lord delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. Let the..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'As a Child!'
"Dear Precious One, When you read the verses below, I want you to notice My interactions with My disciples regarding a rich public official who turned..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Madame Guyon:
"Those who pursue the way of faith and absolute abandonment have neither relish nor liberty for any other path; all else constrains and embarrasses them."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Satan's Goal' (Mk. 5:3-5)
"This man [who was possessed by evil spirits] lived in the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain. Whenever he was put into...."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 6:1 NLT — But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More Unstoppable!