This week, we begin the fifth chapter of Acts. The end of chapter four left us with an image of believers in Christ who, fully surrendered to his love, were living generous lives, giving their all to those in need. Chapter five presents us with two individuals, Ananias and Sapphira, who joined in the generosity, but only in part. Instead of offering wholly what was theirs to give, they kept some of their offering for themselves, to use as they saw fit. Ananias and Sapphira desired only the pretense and image of generosity, without the substance of the God who changes our desires and makes us holy. On the cross, we see Jesus, who gave himself fully for us, that we would be forgiven of sin, reconciled to God to live lives of joy and worship: will we respond only in part, or give ourselves wholly to this great love?