Originally posted by @philokalia
Good works, I think, would be reserved to explicitly prosocial and positive behavior in line with the christian mode of life. Of course, it does include the assistance and aid to the poor, that's very important.
But you must not forget prayer and tithing to the Church.
If you define good works as only things not directly relevant to God and take Him out of the picture, that is a bad work.
You do not understand what is good works.
Good works done to anyone is good works done to Jesus Christ.
A life of good works and selflessness leads to the Kingdom of God
Let me know if you want proof from the Bible of that.
Some Christians who do not understand this neither do they have what it takes to be selfless and giving will continue to ask questions to cloud this rather simple matter:
- how many good works are required
- what is good works
- do good works cancel sin
If a Christian asks these things then it is clear that the light of Christ is not within them and their faith is dead.