Expert: Rev. Stuart Woodward - 12/25/2009

Question
Hello. I have seen recently that when a person dies there is a lot of greed over the money/assest that the deceased had left behind. Is it right for a christian (or someone who professes to be one) to try and take things because he or she feels that they are owed/deserve them agaisnst the wishes of the other family members?

Answer
Hello Michelle,
Thank you for your question. There are many emotions attached to what happens when someone dies. Sometimes they lead to people behaving in a way that they would not normally behave. Some can be driven by greed in a desire to 'get what they can'. This is obviously not a Christian motive. Some have a particluar sentimental attachment to an item left behind by the deceased which makes them stake a claim for it in overly robust ways. It is also true that some can be marginalsied or left out by other family members deliberately for whatever reason and feel obliged to 'fight their corner'. In other words each case has to be assessed on its merits.
However, at root the Christian response should be one of generosity of spirit and a willingness to suffer ourselves rather than see others suffer. It needs to be pointed out, however, that this applies to all famiy members who should be trying to outdo one another in seeing that the others are blessed and cared for.
No article or amount of money is worth causing a rift in family relationships. From my point of view, when my aged parents die if my brother were to tell me he wants all they leave I will let him have it. Of course he won't say that because his attitude is the same as mine and we love each other.
In all these matters it is important for everyone involved to ask what is the loving thing to do.
I hope these comments are of some help.
May God bless you
Stuart Woodward.