When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. —Romans 12:13-21
He who is gracious to the poor lends to the Lord, and the Lord will repay him for his good deed. —Proverbs 19:17
“Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” —Luke 6:38
“Freely you have received, freely give.” —Matthew 10:8
They were overflowing with gratitude for all the Lord had so freely given them.
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?” —Matthew 5:44-46
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. —Ephesians 4:32
Christianity exalts the lowly and humbles the mighty. Through Christ’s eyes, we see that each person has infinite worth.
“And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” —Matthew 24:12
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”— Isaiah 41:10
“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” —John 15:5
Acts 4:32-35; 1 Thessalonians 3:10; Matthew 10:39
1 Corinthians 12:26; Romans 7:24; Psalm 46:10
James 4:7; Luke 18:27
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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Describe a time when you were the stranger and someone showed you hospitality. What did they do and how did it make you feel? How might you be the hospitable Christian who helps a stranger get over their fear, anxiety or need?
2. Of all the people you could get into a conversation with, who would make you the most scared and uncomfortable? Why? What can God do to help you with both the fear and the challenge?
3. A lot of unbelievers view Christians as hateful and bigoted. In what ways might some of us earn that reputation? What does it look like to love those we disagree with, who may even hate us?