In the Book of Amos there are important messages given to help us Christians understand how we can help God and others around us. If we care for those that are less fortunate such as poor people, then it shows that we care for God. This is because we are showing love towards others and not just ignoring them when they need help.
In the New Testament, Christians can use scripture passages from the parable of the sheep and goat, Good Samaritan and Great commandment.
In the parable of the sheep and goat we are taught that even if we do not do something directly to God, it doesn’t mean that we are not showing we care about God. “Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and make you welcome, lacking clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to see you?” And the King replied “In the truth I tell you, in so far as you did this for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me.” Here it is said that if you show love to our brothers and sisters then you are looking after God and those he created.
In the parable of the Good Samaritan Jesus explains to us that our neighbour is anyone who is in trouble or needs help regardless of their race or religion. The parable is about a man travelling to Jericho when thieves attack him and leave him wounded and dying on the side of the road. Then a priest walks past but once he sees the man he crosses to the other side of the road, the same happens when a Levite walks by. But when a Samaritan walks past he is filled with compassion and helps the man by bandaging his wounds. This shows that even if you don’t know the person or are worst enemies you can still help them out when they need it and not just ignore and do nothing about it.
“And thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength” This is taken from the Great Commandment. This is the first commandment that teaches us to love our Lord with everything we have and show we love him by looking after those that he created.
Chris Browne
