Acts 3:6

Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."

We have all been given gifts and talents by God and it is no secret that Jesus requires us to use them. (Mt 25:14-30)  Peter was not blessed with wealth, but what he had received from God he gave in the name of Jesus Christ. He gave the beggar something far better than what he asked for.


Peter spent day in and day out next to Jesus and witnessed firsthand the power of his Name to heal.  He received this same gift from Christ who appointed him to be a witness for him not by the power of his own wisdom (for he was an unlearned fisherman) but by the power of the Spirit.  How sad it would have been if Christ gave him the power to heal and he did not use it!


But in the same way, Christ has given us all the power to heal.


It starts only with giving someone your time and attention, your love and care.  Beggars may ask you for money, but if God has given you some spare time and the capacity to love, give them that.  Give them what they truly need:  Their dignity and worth as God's created human beings.  One dollar can open the door to a conversation.  A cup of coffee and 15 minutes of time can be all you need to save a soul.