[W]ho, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. 4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” 5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”  Acts 3:3-6 NKJV

Peter and John, on their way to the Temple at the hour of prayer, said to the lame beggar when he asked for money, “Look at us”—this was undoubtedly an unction or a prompting of the Spirit or perhaps God swelling their hearts with love, to give what they had. They didn’t have money, but they had the power of God in Jesus’ name (Acts 1:8). The Spirit of God moved upon them and stirred up love in their hearts.

The first verse of a very popular song recorded by both pop and rhythm and blues recording artists says, Think of your fellow man, Lend him a helping hand . . . You see it’s getting late, Oh, please don’t hesitate . . . And the world will be a better place For you and me, You just wait and see put a little love in your heart. When you put even a little love in action and touch other lives, the world will know that you are a child of God; you belong to God; and, you are one with God—a believer and not a beggar!

When you close your heart to others in an uncompassionate way, then it begs the question: where is the love of God in you? (See 1 John 3:17).  You are called to “walk in love” (2 John 6). Perhaps the challenge of living a life of love and giving is that many have been hurt in relationships, and have shut-up their bowels of compassion, and refuse to let love flow out. Love cannot flow to others unless you give up some things, e.g., anger, bitterness, resentment, judgment, etc. towards those who have wronged, injured, or insulted you. Just remember that love always gives! Love seeks to create selfless outlets of giving rather than selfish inlets (Luke 6:38; Eccles. 11:1). Just put a little love in your heart!