Dispelling a few Myths regarding godly giving

There is a lot of false teaching and incorrect use of scripture going around regarding godly giving. Some feel that the Bible teaches we should support EVERYONE in need, even the lazy. Others believe that the Bible advocates a governmental system that redistributes wealth from the rich to the poor (socialism). Both are quite simply either a gross manipulation of the scripture or a terrible misunderstanding of it. Either way, it is very important to keep the entirety of the Bible in perspective.

Look at Christ:

Throughout the gospels, Jesus is recorded to show great compassion to the poor and needy, however, we would be hard pressed to find an instance where Jesus worked a miracle in response to laziness. On the contrary, Jesus was constantly surrounded by crowds of people, yet the Bible records Him healing people who went to great lengths to reach Him and/or demonstrated great faith in believing in Him. Jesus is never recorded to be one who provided handouts for the lazy.

Look at the early Church:

While the early Church pooled their money together to ensure everyone's needs were met, they did so VOLUNTARILY- it was not mandated by law. This was strictly among communities of believers, not a global or nationwide practice. One should note that throughout the Bible we are taught to work hard and do things for God's glory. Reading 2 Thessalonians 3, we clearly see that that the Bible commands us to NOT give to those who are lazy (vs 10 states "if you don't work, you don't eat"!) This in no way resembled a government mandated redistribution of wealth from those who have much to those who have little.

As Christians we are called to take care of those in need, but we are to do so with a willing and cheerful heart (2 Cor 9:5,7). We should not be forced or pressured into doing so. We are not called to enable the lazy or to use our resources in a way that repeatedly shields others from the consequences of poor financial decisions- doing so would be poor stewardship of God-given resources.

Note:Proverbs 20:4

Created over 2 years ago