Yet He has not left Himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; He provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy. Acts 14:17
“God has not left Himself without testimony meaning that in the bounty of nature there was testimony to both the being and the nature of God. God has continued to show kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons. Something of God’s character is demonstrated in the regular provision of life’s necessities. The result of this care is that He provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy. God’s goodness is experienced by everyone who enjoys the benefits of living in His creation.”
David G. Peterson in The Acts of the Apostles (PNTC; Grand Rapids; Eerdmans, 2009) 410.
In today’s Scripture, Paul proclaims these words to the people of Lystra. He describes the goodness of God, in part, by talking about His care for creation in general and people in particular. We must remember this, especially during a pandemic.
This message is relevant today. Even in hard times, we can look out on creation and celebrate a caring Creator for His “regular provision” for us. We can pause in a pandemic and see how He has our good in mind even now. Let us humble ourselves before Him and respond like Him.
To exhibit generosity that reflects this same love and care means that we keep our wits about us in this crisis. Rather than hoard in fear, we dispense provision from God and show care to those in need around us with the same love. We do this to spread abundant joy.