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“For even when we were with you, we commanded you this; If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever“ (1Timothy 5:8).
There are numerous passages in the Bible that show that God expects us to work and provide for ourselves. Even when you study Genesis, Adam had a job and that was tending the garden. I don’t know how much it needed, but Adam was given responsibilities. He had to pick the fruit and vegetables he ate; no one was around to just give him his daily food. Too many folks today expect others to take care of them. They are so lazy that they won’t work and live off of others’ kindness. We are expected to take care of ourselves and beyond that, we are expected to help others with our overabundance. Ephesians 4:28 “Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.” The last word of that sentence is “need.” We are to give to those who are in need. Not to able-bodied people who won’t work.
It does provide a dilemma at times for us as Christians. No one wants to see another human being hungry. Yet, if providing food for someone allows them to use their money for drugs and alcohol, we shouldn’t do it. They have responsibility from God to take care of themselves. I’ve taken some directly to get something to eat so they couldn’t spend it on drugs or alcohol. We should even try to get them help for addictions, if possible. In my experience many refuse as they don’t want to give up their drunkenness or being high. As long as they won’t make an effort, we shouldn’t enable them by giving them food, money, etc.
If there are children involved, I try to help them directly if possible. We must be smart and good stewards of God’s money and our own. Let us study and pray about these things and be prepared for when we are approached. It helps us in our decisions and our conscience. It also helps us maintain the proper relationship with God.
Chris Moore
Clarendon, TX