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07 Oct 23
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-Removed-No, we don't. (Or at least, shouldn't).
Only one of us adheres to a faith that says we should love our neighbour.
"As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
John 13:34b-35
07 Oct 23
@ghost-of-a-duke saidYes to that. But nobody is expected to take in homeless persons permanently, or if there is a risk to family members. In the example of the Rich Man and Lazarus the rich man was guilty of not even offering food or cleaning Lazarus. The principle Jesus made was that the more selfless you are the greater the reward in this life and the next. Perfection is the state of giving away all worldly possessions, and while one should attain to that state of perfection, in reality God does not expect people to be able to do it. The Kingdom of God as Jesus said will be full of charitable people, not necessarily perfect ones.
Yes. I subscribe to charity and kindness to others.
What if you have the means to house a homeless person? Should you go ahead and do that, to fulfil the royal law of the bible?
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07 Oct 23
@rajk999 saidA good reply sir.
Yes to that. But nobody is expected to take in homeless persons permanently, or if there is a risk to family members. In the example of the Rich Man and Lazarus the rich man was guilty of not even offering food or cleaning Lazarus. The principle Jesus made was that the more selfless you are the greater the reward in this life and the next. Perfection is the state of giving ...[text shortened]... t. The Kingdom of God as Jesus said will be full of charitable people, not necessarily perfect ones.
07 Oct 23
-Removed-That is irrelevant. What matters is charity. It is possible for a man to hate someone, because of his evil ways maybe, but still show charity towards that person. Charitable or brotherly love is what we are called to do, feed the hungry, clothe the naked etc. So if the relative you do not love happens to knock on you door in need of food and you trun them away that will count against you. Christians are required to give without expecting or wanting anything in return, regardless of how you feel about that person.
08 Oct 23
1 edit
@fmf saidThe answer is very simple although Christians would not like it. Jesus knew that His death justified all of mankind in the sense that the curse of Adams sin was removed. Paul described this clearly in Romans 5:18. All that is required now is righteousness and good works which Jesus took great pains to describe in detail in the Sermon on the Mount and other places.
I wonder whether, according to the theology, the good Samaritan was "saved" despite being a non-believer [in terms of Jesus].
The characters in that parable was carefully and willfully chosen by Christ. Two professed believers, the faithful clergy and chosen tribe of Levi, failed the test. The one who people condemn as having no law or faith is the one who had compassion and showed love for his neighbour.
Works trumps faith... all the time. Yes, those who do good works will see the Kingdom of God. If in doubt read Matt 25
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08 Oct 23
@rajk999 saidWould it be fair to say Christians are expected to be altruistic, emulating the selfless act of Christ?
That is irrelevant. What matters is charity. It is possible for a man to hate someone, because of his evil ways maybe, but still show charity towards that person. Charitable or brotherly love is what we are called to do, feed the hungry, clothe the naked etc. So if the relative you do not love happens to knock on you door in need of food and you trun them away that will cou ...[text shortened]... give without expecting or wanting anything in return, regardless of how you feel about that person.