Such As I Have, I Give

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A Lesson from Acts 3:1–10

We live in a world that constantly measures value by money, influence, education, and visibility. Even within the church, many believers hesitate to serve because they feel they don’t have enough—enough time, enough resources, enough confidence, or enough ability.

But Acts 3 tells a different story.

In this passage, Peter and John openly acknowledge what they lack—and yet God works through them in a powerful, life-changing way. Their story reminds us of an important truth:

God does not require us to give what we do not have—He calls us to faithfully offer what He has already placed in our hands.

An Ordinary Moment, an Extraordinary Miracle

Acts 3:1–10 opens with Peter and John on their way to the temple at the hour of prayer. Nothing unusual. No scheduled revival. No planned miracle service. Just ordinary obedience.

At the gate called Beautiful sits a man lame from birth, carried there daily to beg for alms. He asks Peter and John for money, expecting a small handout to get him through the day.

What he receives instead changes his life forever.

Peter looks directly at him and says, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”

And the man does exactly that.

1. A Willing Heart Notices Needs

“And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.” (Acts 3:4)

Peter and John noticed the man. They didn’t rush past him. They didn’t assume someone else would help. They allowed compassion to interrupt their routine.

Serving begins with seeing.
You cannot serve what you refuse to notice.

So often, God places needs directly in our path—at home, at church, at work, in our community. The question is not whether needs exist, but whether we are willing to see them.

Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to the needs You’ve placed around me.

2. God Never Asks for What You Don’t Have

“Silver and gold have I none…” (Acts 3:6a)

Peter didn’t apologize for his lack. He didn’t feel disqualified. He simply acknowledged what he could not give.

Lack does not disqualify you from ministry.

  • You may not have money, but you have time.

  • You may not have a title, but you have a testimony.

  • You may not have all the answers, but you have faith.

God does not shame us for what we lack. He invites us to offer what we possess.

3. What You Have Includes Spiritual Gifts

“…but such as I have give I thee…” (Acts 3:6b)

Peter gave what God had already placed within him—faith, spiritual authority, and power through the name of Jesus. This reflects a deeper biblical truth: every believer has been given a spiritual gift.

Scripture says:

“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another…” (1 Peter 4:10)

When you came to Christ, you were not only saved—you were gifted.

And no gift is insignificant.

Paul reminds us that the body of Christ needs every member (1 Corinthians 12:18–22). Even the parts that seem “feeble” are necessary.

A Snapshot of Spiritual Gifts (Romans 12:6–8)

  • Prophecy – proclaiming God’s Word faithfully

  • Ministry (Helps) – serving and supporting others

  • Teaching – explaining and applying Scripture clearly

  • Exhortation – encouraging and strengthening believers

  • Giving – supporting God’s work with generosity

  • Leadership (Administration) – guiding and organizing ministry

  • Mercy – showing compassion to those in pain

Your gift is not for your benefit alone—it is for the healing, growth, and strength of others.

4. God Uses Action, Not Just Intention

“And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up…” (Acts 3:7)

Peter didn’t just speak—he acted.

Faith is demonstrated through obedience.
Gifts grow when they are exercised.
Sometimes God’s power is released when we step forward in faith.

Peter reached out before the man walked, trusting God to do what only God could do.

5. When We Give What We Have, God Gets the Glory

The healed man:

  • Walked

  • Leaped

  • Praised God

The miracle drew attention not to Peter and John, but to God Himself.

True service always points people upward, not inward.

When we give what we have in Jesus’ name, the result is worship, wonder, and glory to God.

Practical Reflection

Ask yourself:

  • What has God already placed in my hands?

  • Who is God calling me to serve?

  • Am I waiting for “more” when God is asking for obedience now?

“Such as I have” might look like:

  • A listening ear

  • A Gospel shared

  • A praying heart

  • A helping hand

  • A word of encouragement

  • A skill, talent, or ability

Final Encouragement

You may feel like you don’t have much to offer—but God specializes in using willing vessels, not wealthy ones.

When we say, “Such as I have, I give,” God says, “That is enough for Me to work with.”

Stop focusing on what you lack. Start offering what you have. Trust God to multiply it for His glory and the blessing of others.

This week, intentionally give what God has already given you—in the name of Jesus Christ.

“Silver and gold have I none… but such as I have give I thee.”