Pastor Joel Osteen to Oprah: "I Can't Be A Big Blessing To People If I'm Poor & Broke"

I don't know where or how to begin, so since Townhall is a secular website with many Christian viewers, I will simply post a couple pieces of scripture--one for each comment, although there are multiple choice Bible verses contrasting what Osteen personally believes:

OSTEEN: "I don't know who would say that you're not supposed to, you know, leave your children better than they were before."

GOD: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother'--which is the first commandment with a promise--'that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.' Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:1-4)

OSTEEN: "There's a belief that you're supposed to suffer more and be poor and to show your humility. I just, I don't see the Bible that way."

GOD: "This brings you great joy, although you may have to suffer for a short time in various trials. Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold – gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away – and will bring praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." (1 Peter 1:6-7)

As far as what God says about how we bless people and what we bless them with, God asks us to bless people with eternal gifts--namely, Him, and not earthly ones--regardless of our mental, physical, or monetary state:

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GOD: "But He [God] said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

Parting note: Belief in God, Jesus, and His Word is worthless if you do not love and obey Him. Satan believes all these things but doesn't love Him nor follow His commands.