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Introduction

Describe Christian teachings about the way believers should treat people less fortunate than themselves. The subject of poverty is certainly not new to our age. We see it in television, read about it in newspapers and hear about it in the radio. Many Christians are determined to follow their faith and Christian teachings, in order to help the less fortunate than themselves. They will put God's teachings into practise, "Faith without an action is dead", and follow Jesus' example of the agape love, the unconditional, selfless love and concern for others. Christianity teaches that caring for poor is an obligation, not an option, for all those who love God. The Bible says, you should "I command you to be open-handed toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land". Christian love is giving the others those things that you would want them to give to you, if you were in need. "Treat others as you would like to be treated", and it is doing so even if they cannot pay you back. In fact, it is doing so, especially when they cannot pay you back. Many Christians believe in the agape love- the unconditional love; which teaches respect, for others, understanding and mercy. ...read more.

Middle

God does not judge people by their wealth "Do not judge and you will not be judged", therefore, Christians believe that neither should they; "He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, he seats them with princess and has them inherit a throne of honour". The Bible also teaches that it is impossible to have a genuine love for God while at the same time ignoring the plight of the poor or those in need. The New Testament teaches Christians that, "For the love the money is the root of all kinds of evil"; This teaching reminds many Christians, that it is not money as an object that is evil. Instead, it is how we react to money and wealth; what is evil, is the way people become obsessed with money and put it before everything else. Jesus teaches people that truly wealthy are those who see this life against the backdrop of eternity and so rule their lives. The World today is sharply divided between rich and poor, their huge differences in their lifestyles, have become known as the as the North/South divide. ...read more.

Conclusion

The quote from Beatitudes highlights the idea, that if Christian will show mercy to others, God shall show them mercy in return; "Blessed are the merciful for they shall be shown mercy". "Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them" , this principle lies at the heart of the way we are to treat others. There are 14.9 million refugees amongst the World. People who have been forced to leave their country, their homes, belongings and their family, because they are unable to live in their home or they fear they will be harmed. The victims of war are hopeless. Jesus taught his followers to share the unconditional love towards your brother and sister. Therefore helping refugees will benefit the fortunate people by knowing that they doing something morally right, that will please the will of Jesus Christ. To conclude, there are many teachings that shape and form Christian views on how they should treat the less fortunate than themselves. "Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them". God's passionate concern for poor and the oppressed is evident throughout the Bible. The dangers of wealth, the need for sharing and the importance of showing the understanding and the agape love to your brothers and sisters in need, is simply a foundation for each Christian teachings. Agnieszka Tkacz ...read more.

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