Keeping It Real

GETTING STARTED:

1. Who are some of the people around whom you feel you can be most yourself? Why? 

2. 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? 

3. 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:

When reading the verses in Luke 21:1¬4 consider these questions:      

• 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? 

Also read in Matthew 20:25 ¬28 what Jesus said about being great.

REFLECTION:

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 I pray, Amen.