In this life and in this world, those who have wealth or great possessions; those who are abundantly supplied with resources, means, or funds; and those who are wealthy abounding in natural resources are considered to be a rich person and/or a rich nation.
Culturally and traditionally the rich are privileged and are shown privilege. They are afforded courtesies and extended royal or favored treatment. As such, they come to expect and to have expectations to be catered to, cared for and respected because of their status.
However, God looks on the rich differently. No, God does not despise the rich nor condem the rich. But, God reminds us that true riches are not our worldly possessions or the amount of land or property that we own. True riches don't have anything to do with how many servants or associates (today's language) or how much money we have in our accounts. Clothes, cars, houses and assets...none of these things are eternal; they are merely temporary.
God has sent me to remind us that to truly be rich is to know and accept the love and salvation from Him through Christ Jesus. He makes us rich in grace, so we should extend grace to others. He makes us rich in mercy, so we should extend mercy to others. He makes us abundantly rich in love, so we should extend love, kindness, peace, forgiveness, comfort and compassion to others.
God says this to His ministers:
"Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." (I Timothy 6:17-19 NKJV)
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