Charitable Works
How does Jehovah set the example as the greatest Giver?
What kind of giving fails to please God?
Relevant Bible account(s):
Ge 4:3-7; 1Jo 3:11, 12—Why Cain’s sacrifice fails to win God’s approval
Ac 5:1-11—Ananias and Sapphira are punished because they lied about their gift and had improper motives
What kind of giving pleases God?
Mt 6:3, 4; Ro 12:8; 2Co 9:7; Heb 13:16
See also Ac 20:35
Relevant Bible account(s):
Lu 21:1-4—Jesus praises a poor widow for making a generous contribution even though the amount is very small
How was the giving of contributions organized in the first-century congregation?
Ac 11:29, 30; Ro 15:25-27; 1Co 16:1-3; 2Co 9:5, 7
Relevant Bible account(s):
Ac 4:34, 35—The Christian congregation shows generosity, and the apostles ensure that the needy benefit
2Co 8:1, 4, 6, 14—A relief ministry is organized in behalf of needy Christians
What special responsibility do Christians have toward their family and toward their spiritual brothers?
How does the Bible guide us in caring for the poor?
What shows that people need spiritual help more than anything else?
Mt 5:3, 6; Joh 6:26, 27; 1Co 9:23
See also Pr 2:1-5; 3:13; Ec 7:12; Mt 11:4, 5; 24:14
Relevant Bible account(s):
Lu 10:39-42—Jesus helps Martha to see that spiritual things should come first