The early church sacrificed for the needs of one another. Their giving was radical and transformational. Today, if we are to follow in their footsteps, we need to learn to 1. Look Back to the Forgiveness in Christ – The generosity of the early church was not due to the constant exhortation to give, but the powerful preaching of the gospel – resulting in a culture of radical self-giving. It is the warm love of God in Jesus Christ poured out into our hearts that can melt our cold selfishness away, and result in a generosity that honours God. 2. Look Around at the Family of Christ – We have a greater responsibility to the church because church members are not strangers, but brothers and sister in Christ. Our worship of God is seen in the way we treat people, especially the brethren in the faith. So let us learn to lay down our lives for the brothers, and love in deed and truth, by seeing how the gospel has united us in one body and one family. 3. Look Forward to the Future with Christ – Jesus said that it is more blessed to give than to receive. One of the reasons is that God promises to reward those who give to the poor. It is when we have faith that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him that we can give in a radical way. God is not unfaithful to forget your labour of love for His people. Check out this sermon to find out more about growing in love and sacrifice!