Pastor David Ibiyeomie, a prominent preacher and the founder of Salvation Ministries in Port Harcourt, recently shared his belief that Jesus disliked poor people during a worship service with his congregation. Using biblical references, he argued that Jesus predominantly visited the wealthy.
Ibiyeomie explained that Christians should avoid adopting a poor mentality because, according to him, Christ died to ensure they could escape poverty.
He said: “Jesus never visited any poor person in the house; read your bible. That means he hates poverty. Check, he visited Lazarus; they were not poor; they were giving him food. He visited a rich sinner called Zacchaeus. Tell me about the one poor man Jesus entered his house; he hates poverty, which is what it means; he hates poor people. He died for you not to be poor, so how can you now come to church with that kind of mentality? You can come poor, but you are not permitted to remain poor….”
This statement reflects Ibiyeomie’s view that Christians should aim for financial success and prosperity, as he believes poverty is not in line with Jesus’ message.
