THE BERNHARD PERSPECTIVE
Donald T**** has said: “I don’t think there’s anything that’s going to get me into Heaven. I think I’m not maybe Heaven-bound.” In other contexts he also said: “I’m hearing I’m not doing well. I am really at the bottom of the totem pole. I don’t believe there’s anything that could earn me a spot in Heaven.”
For once in his life, he’s right. The Bible confirms that. Here it is for starters, straight from the original text:
“Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.” Proverbs 21:13 . And there’s more:
“Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” — Proverbs 14:31, and “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” — Psalm 82:3. Not to mention:
“When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. The stranger who sojourns with you shall be as the native-born among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” — Leviticus 19:33-34.
And that’s just the Old Testament. T**** claims to be a Christian. Well, here it is, straight from the Savior’s mouth:
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:35-40. Also:
“Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise,” — Luke 3:11, and “Go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.” —Mark 10:21
The Old Testament is clear on how we are to treat the poor and why, and especially how we are to receive and accept foreigners in our midst.
Jesus taught that ignoring the needs of the poor is spiritually dangerous. He challenged his followers not only to charity, but also to radical generosity and justice with their time and resources.
These passages convey G-d’s (and his Son’s) expectation that generosity, justice and compassion for the poor reflect faith and obedience. They emphasize treating foreigners with kindness, and recognize hospitality as a core biblical principle. Jesus and the prophets explicitly connect caring for outsiders with G-d’s deepest values and blessings.
I sincerely doubt that T**** has actually read any of this himself. And I doubt that he has any real spiritual sense or religious convictions. Perhaps there is a spark of something in there, anything is possible. However, it looks like at least once in his life, T**** is right about something; Heaven will most likely be closed to him.
After all, you can’t argue with the Good Book.
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