dominion.”
This gives the human person dignity as He made us to be like him. Human life is therefore sacred and should be protected. God gave us gifts and talents that other beings do not have. This shows our dignity however with this comes responsibilities and we should protect all of God’s creations, which includes humans.
Jesus shows Christians that they should take pity on people in need. People are equal in the eyes of God and we shouldn’t discriminate against others, especially when it degrades them and us. We need to help people in need. These are people who live in the developing countries or are in poverty. People who don’t have enough food or water to live and don’t have enough money to produce them. Jesus loves and cares for the poor and sick, he praises those who help the poor and condemns those who do not show compassion to those in need.
Throughout the New Testament, there are many stories of Jesus showing empathy towards the poor. In the miracle story of the feeding of the five thousand, the disciples tell Jesus to send the multitudes away to go and buy food. Jesus replied:
“They don’t need to go away. You give them something to eat.” (Matthew Ch. 14:16)
Christians believe in a final judgment day when God will judge them upon their actions. If they have led a ‘good’ life they will be rewarded with eternity in heaven with God, where as those who led a ‘bad’ life will be punished with an eternity in hell. Jesus speaks of helping the poor because it is what God asks of you and not because you want praise from your fellow men. From this Christians are taught that showing charity should come from your love of God and not your desire for status among your fellow man. Christians believe that they will be judged on how helpful and compassionate they have been towards the poor. This judgement will include their motivation; whether or not their intentions were genuine or merely to be honoured by their fellow men. It is the desire for heavenly rewards, earthly acclaim that should motivate Christians to help the poor in the eyes of God.
In the Bible most of the teachings to do with helping those in need is in reference to those among your own community, ‘the widows and the beggars,’ who live amongst the more fortunate. Today, because of huge advances in technology and communication, Christians are aware of what is happening all over the world and are able to help those in need on a much larger scale than just the local community. Although Christians support their local Church, they feel a strong sense of responsibility to donate money to multinational charities such as Christian Aid, to help within the wider community. Christians believe that everyone is equal in the eyes of God, it is this belief that motivates many Christians to donate to charity, not just money but time and effort to help those less fortunate.
The church supports the bible’s teachings to show compassion towards the poor in many ways. The church teaches Christians to love others. Famous Christian leaders such as Martin Luther King and Mother Teresa are known best for their work with the poor and their example encourages other Christians to do the same.
