It is explains how God will judge people and separate them in the same way a farmer separates sheep from goats. Some people will be rewarded because they have fed the hungry, given clothes to the needy, visited the sick, and welcomed strangers. They will be by God’s side for eternity. Other people will be punished, because they have done none of these things, and have ignored people in need. Jesus explained that when people care for each other, it is the same as caring for him. Christians believe showing love towards God involves caring about all other people. Another parable of Christians’ believes on wealth and poverty is the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. The Story of the Rich Man and Lazarus is found in Luke 16:19-31. It tells the story of a rich man who lived in luxury, while a beggar who lived outside his front gate, had nothing and was ignored by the rich man. When the two men died, the poor man goes to heaven, but the rich man is sent to hell. The rich man asked to be allowed to warn his brothers of the consequences of ignoring the poor, but he is told that they have had plenty warnings already, from the prophets. The parable teaches that people have been told for centuries that they must not ignore the poor, and they have no excuses. A final example of Christians believes is the Principal of Agape. Jesus preached that people should show their love for God by being loving towards their neighbours. By “neighbours”, he meant everyone, even strangers and enemies. He taught that Christians should treat others the way they would like to be treated themselves. This unconditional love is called “Agape”.
Christians should empathise with the poor. They should treat the poor in the way that they would like to be treated if they were poor. Giving should be generous, frequent, and done in a way that preserves the dignity of those less fortunate. Christians believe that money fairly and honestly. Christians believe it is fine to work hard and earn money, as long as the work is honest, and the money doesn’t take over the person’s life. Christians do not usually approve of occupations which exploit other people or cause harm, such as gambling, pornography or promoting dangerous drugs. Sometimes Christians try to choose jobs which involve helping others, such as nursing, the police, or charity work. Sometimes Christians churches are critisized for owning land, expensive buildings such as silver chalices. Some people think Christians should sell all this and give away the money to the poor and homeless. Other say that it is important to show respect to God with beautiful things, and that the churches need money in order to provide people with a place of worship and properly trained ministers.
Word Count: 666
Barrett Downing 5BC 5R2 Mr Conway Miss Rouse
