Acts 3: 7

We cannot use this statement of Acts 3:6 “… Silver and gold have I none…” as an excuse to be insensitive to people’s material needs or to prohibit help to the poor and needy. In fact, one seriously wonders if the church of today can genuinely make such a statement. In some quarters the church is as rich as the world, if not richer.

According to the sacred teachings of Jesus, not only must the church be preoccupied with people’s spiritual needs of salvation, but we are also called upon to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the hospitalized and the prisoners. It is the church’s responsibility, according to the mandates of Jesus to care for the last, the least, and the lost. We are commissioned to release the oppressed and to visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction. We must never forget that we are called upon to love the strangers within our gates (Leviticus 19:34, Matthew 25:35). As His God-called disciples, He emphatically entreats us to extend kindness to the immigrants – documented and undocumented.

It is the mission of the church, His beloved community, to always remember those of the minority culture. The Master Himself is diligent in pointing out these salient facts to us which will determine the eventual destiny of the nations. He reinforces that judgement will be based on these particularities – “For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick and ye visited me: I was in prison and ye came unto me” (Matthew 25:35, 36). It is inescapable and imperative that the church must become involved in meeting the social needs facing humankind. We must care for the whole person. It is our duty to exhibit real care for the people’s total well-being. Here we are compelled to minister to body, mind, and soul.

The Holy Spirit moved Peter and John to help this man, marginalized and relegated to remain on the outside (Acts 3:1-10). They felt the pressing need to change his status and to bring him along with them into the temple. The passage informs us “And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up…” (v.7). They helped this brother out! I remain convinced that people need a helping hand, a hand up! Luke, the author is keen to point out “…and he lifted him up.” They will never walk and regain their independence and dignity if somebody does not help them up and out.

It is the church’s duty to do as Peter did – to reach out and help people up. We are not here to add to people’s misery and pain. It may help if the church is not so critical and judgmental, ready to condemn and castigate. We dare not leave people by the wayside of life wounded, weary, and dying. It is against our born-again nature! We can no longer pretend not to see all the crying, pressing needs around us. Actions speak louder than words, titles, and gestures. This church, this Pentecostal church, remains committed to remembering the less fortunate and disenfranchised. We must take them up and lift them. Let us always lend a helping hand!