Getting started
Who are some of the people you feel you can most be yourself around? Why?
Have you ever been in a situation where you felt you had to pretend to be something you are not? How did it make you feel?
Have you ever been in a situation where you pretended to be something you are not, and enjoyed the benefits?
A look at the Bible
As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
Luke 21:1-4 in the Bible
In what ways did the widow give more?
What does this tell us about God, and about what he wants from us?
What do you think makes a person great?
How do you think our normal view of human greatness might compare to God's? Why do you think God sees humble and serving people as great?
What Jesus said about being great
Our Response
Jesus calls us to serve others: How do you see yourself doing this?
The widow gave everything she had. Could you trust God with everything you have?
Prayer
Dear God
Thank you for your unconditional love.
Help me to trust that you have my best interests at heart. I want to be secure in you so I don't have to pretend. I want to be secure in who you made me to be so I can love others the way you do. I want to be secure in your promises so I can give generously, without fear for myself - like the widow who gave everything to help others. Help me to be the kind of person you want me to be.
In Jesus' name, we pray
Amen.
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