[Epaphras]

Hoping to resurrect this discussion, now almost 5 years later (I started a new thread, but realized I had already done so years ago).

A lot has happened in the US and the world that brings these issues into even more focus (perhaps make them more likely?):
- Refugee crisis
- Civil unrest (Ferguson, Charlottesville)
- Immigration debate
- Extremely charged and polarized political climate
- Politics of resentment

One scene that sticks with me from a post-apocalyptic novel (can't remember which one exactly), is a throng of people walking out of a major city that is leveled in an earthquake, making their way to/through the outlying areas and demanding shelter and food from the residents, and getting violent when the homeowners refuse to share what little they have. I really don't know what I would do in such a situation.

If a hungry family showed up on my doorstep needing help, my Christian duty is to help them.

If a hungry mob showed up on my lawn, demanding I share all the food and supplies I have (leaving me and my family as deprived as they are, when we may have lasted for a few days or a week on the supplies we have)...is my Christian duty the same? Pray for a "loaves and fishes" multiplication miracle?

[athanatos]

In a sense, I think withholding to save yourself is permissible, but giving even if it means threat of death is supererogatory and very praiseworthy.

Expecting a miracle in hope would, likewise, fall into the latter case.