Were you ever told, “If you tell a lie you’ll be struck down with lightning�? Did you ever wonder where that came from? It's actually Biblical. In Acts chapter 5 we find the story of Ananias and Sapphira; a couple eager to be known for their generous giving. Instead, they are remembered for their emphatic end. The church members had decided to sell their goods to meet the needs of the poor. Some sold their land and received great gestures of appreciation for their generosity. Ananias and Sapphira, wanting some of that praise, decided that they, too, would also sell their land to show how generous they were. However, they were a little doubtful that God would provide their needs. They decided together that they would, indeed, sell, but they would say that they sold for less than they actually did and keep some of the money from the sale for themselves. It was their money to do so as they pleased, but it was their deception that led to their demise.

Ananias arrived at the church first, but the Holy Spirit had already alerted the disciples to these secret events. When he approached the leaders with the money, Peter confronted him and questioned his motives, emphasizing that the One they had lied to was God. Verse 5 says that upon hearing these words, Ananias fell down, dead! A few hours later, Sapphira came along, unaware of her husband's calamity. Upon being questioned, she repeated her late husband’s last words. As Peter called her out for being in cahoots with her husband, she too, took her last breath! Ok, maybe not by lightning, but struck down nevertheless!

Your spouse is your “partner in lifeâ€�, not your “partner in crimeâ€�! We were designed to complement each other and be each other's greatest support. In marriage, we have a built-in accountability partner and we must be willing to confront and rebuke each other â€" in love and in a gentle and humble manner. We are called to “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other as Christ forgave youâ€� (Eph. 4:32). Had Sapphira suggested to her husband “let’s just tell them the truthâ€�, they might have reaped the blessings of their generosity and possibly some guidance on how to give whole-heartedly. They had the potential to be each other's greatest support, but choosing to go along with the lie cost them both their lives. When we deal with the sin in our lives, we become more like Jesus. And loving like Jesus produces Love…for a lifetime.

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, by now we are very much aware of what pleases you and of the things that highly displease you. Our actions, attitudes, and ultimately our decisions are reflections of the one we serve. I want my life to please you Lord, and I want my marriage to glorify you. Help us to seek your wisdom even in the simplest choices so that your love will be magnified in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. Proverbs 27:17 (ESV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.