Just this morning when I was listening to Christian radio I heard a prominent Christian pastor say he does not give to beggars because he does not want to promote that lifestyle. I was a bit surprised by the response although I do see the logic in it. Then when I read this about Lazarus of course I made the connection between the two scenarios. Does this parable and devotion imply that one of the reasons the rich man went to hell was because he did not consider and give to the needs of the beggar? I am just trying to reconcile what I heard on the radio this morning to this Bible parable. I truly believe that hell exists just as Jesus indicates and warns of. I know someone from a former church where I attended who always carried packs of crackers to give to those who asked her for $. I thought that was a really good way to deal with those who are in need. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

Janice, I think a lot of people struggle with this problem. I went to college at GSU in downtown Atlanta and when I walked to class passed MANY homeless people. I could not afford to give them money, but I always carried a bottle of water, breakfast bar, or chips to give to them. If they were truly hungry they accepted it with a great attitude and said "May God bless you." I even offered to buy lunch or dinner for a couple of them when I had some extra money on me. One individual refused the food and said he wanted money. That told me that he wanted money for unnecessary things.
I don't live or go to school in Atlanta anymore, but when I know I will be down there I try to bring an old blanket, jacket, or a snack to give to the guy at the exit of North Ave.
I think it is important to have a giving spirit and be willing to help others. However, instead of money, give them something useful with a kind word and Jesus' love.

Janice I just wanted to let you know first of all that this story in the Bible is not a "parable", this is a true story spoken and told by Jesus. When Jesus speaks in parables He does not use names of people. This story gives you names and is an event that actually happened. Parables are not events that have actually happened. Just to give you an understanding. The reason the rich man went to hell is because he obviously never asked Jesus into his heart to be his Savior and Lord over his life and if he had, he wouldn't have been able to treat the begger the way he did without conviction in his heart. Eli, I like what you have done for the homeless, this shows that you are a good-hearted Christian. You're right, it doesn't have to be money, it can be anything that would help them and we forget its not about them and why they are homeless, its about what God says for us to do and always remember God sees our heart and theirs and when we help the needy and poor in any way, shape or form we are making HIM smile. That's all that's important to me is making my FATHER happy and proud and not worrying about what other people's motives are or what they think. It took me a long time to get this, but now, after reading my Bible over and over, I understand the ways of the LORD better and I am a work in progress and continue to learn and grow daily in my walk as a Christian.

I have to disagree on your point about this not being a parable, Dara. I think it clearly is a parable where Jesus is teaching about the consequences of being worldly, greedy and not helping others in need. Also, if it were a real event that had happened in the past, the rich man would not have been able to claim Jesus as his savior, since he hadn't yet died on the cross for his sins.

But, I agree that those today who accept Jesus sacrifice do not need to worry about going to hell because they did not help a homeless person. Of course, if someone truly follows Jesus, they will have a heart for those in need, and will want to help them. That does not mean we need to help every person that we come across if we are not sure that they truly are needy. Churches struggle with this, because people are always coming asking for things. You have to be a good steward of what God has given you, including being prudent in your giving, otherwise you may not be able to give to those who are really in need, because twenty other people who were not really needy got there first. Unfortunately, there are those out there who will try to take advantage of others with a giving attitude by making it their life's work to beg, when they could be out working.

Janice, as far as what the pastor said, I think if he says he "never" gives to beggars, that is the wrong attitude. I love the idea of offering food or clothing if you are often in that situation, since that does help show if there is a true need. I don't find myself downtown much, but the last time I was, I remember asking the person why he needed the money. That threw him. He couldn't come up with a good reason fast enough for me.

Thank you all, Eli, Dara, and RickY for your thoughtful comments. I was reminded of a time on a 4th of July when my family was going to see fireworks but we did not make it all the way to the site but chose to stop in a church parking lot where we could view them from. While there a young woman approached holding a child and she proceeded to tell how she needed help because her child had been burned and no one was at the church to give her aid. I was not sure if the story was true and I turned her away not having had anything I could have given except for a few dollars which I did not give. I had been expecting to have a fun evening with my family but instead I ended up being torn with guilt trying to think if I had done the proper thing. These situations are so hard to be discerning about and obviously they stick with the person who is a Christian and wants to act as Christ would. Again, thank you to all of you who have helped me to have insight.

Ricky, thanks for your insight. I guess we will just have to agree to disagree on this story being a parable because I know that I know that I know this is not a parable. God spoke to my heart through many sermons and teachings to let me know that this is a true event that actually happened and has a lot to do with why I believe in hell today. I have been taught by more than one preacher and a couple of my mentors and Bible teachers that some people mistake this as a parable, but after studying this, it is said that names of people such as Lazarus will not be used when Jesus uses parables to explain or demonstrate. But you're right Jesus had not yet gone to the cross, so I believe that the rich man must not have believed in God nor did he believe that Jesus was the coming Messiah who would save us. So we'll just have agree to disagree on this one : ).

Just a comment on the story Christ gave on the rich man and Lazarus. Most Bibles and commentaries do state that this is a parable and was decided that way because of the way the story was told. I had also heard that it was not because of the name Lazarus being used and not the name of the rich man. Christ would have obviously knew the mans name and since he did not use it this also showed that it was a parable. Myself I am not going to argue one way or the other, I just know when God prompts me to use it in a sermon I do because it makes for a good one. God Bless all.

Well done for writing about a seemingly sordid and sensitive topic amongst not only some non-believers, but some believers alike. Yes, I believe in hell as I do in heaven. The illustration of Lazarus & the rich man gives vivid insight into the tortures of a living hell. Interestingly, some recent statistics were published in a monthly Christian booklet...you may be surprised like I was to discover that more than half of international churches around the world refuse to preach on hell, these are the most recent stastics!
-Christina-