I have some questions for you…

Off the top of your head, can you think of a verse, passage, or story from Scripture concerning generosity? What does the Bible say about taking care of the least of these or the poor and marginalized?

Another question…

As Christians, are we obligated to take care others?

This is tricky. Obligations often lead to a works-based relationship with God. It’s easy to believe that the more we do for God, the more He’s pleased with us and therefore, we’re bound for heaven. But is this accurate?

On the other side, 1 John 3:17-“ If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?”

And then what about these verses:

-Romans 5:1-“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

-Ephesians 2:8-“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”

-James 2:24-“You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.”

*How do you reconcile these seemingly different views? Are they at odds? How? Are they in sync? How?