There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. Luke 16:19-21, KJV.
Read also Verses 22-31.
This is another parable too long to write out in full here. Long story shortened: both men die, and their positions are reversed. The rich man now roasts in hell while Lazarus rests with Abraham in heaven. The rich man begs Abraham to send Lazarus back to the wealthy family members to warn them what will happen to them if their greed and lack of compassion continues. Abraham says, "They they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead."
The rich guy didn't go to hell because he was rich. The intimation here is that the man didn't offer the beggar the time of day, let alone food or medication for his sores or warmth. It was his lack of compassion that landed him in the clinker, so to speak.
Rich is a matter perspective. In many countries, I would be considered rich. In mine, not so much. But wherever a person lives there are people in need of compassion, aren't there? Or if not in our immediate neighborhoods, then somewhere in the rapidly shrinking world is someone who is worse off than you are. Offer them a hand up, a salve for their sores, clothes to keep them warm, food, someone to talk to. What you have to give is yourself.
Jesus would approve, don't you think?
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