Food Stamps & The Christian
1 John 3:17 New King James Version
17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
How Do You Feel?
How do you feel about helping the poor and needy? Most of us would say that we are ready to because we know that’s what God’s word tells us too. However, most of us will also add things like well if they deserve it and won’t abuse it. After all, God’s word also says a man that doesn’t work should not eat right?
That’s What We Say
Lately, well, over the last several years people have been making a fuss over those receiving food stamps or any government assistance for that matter. To tell you the truth there was a time I was standing right there with everyone else. I mean, why should my hard-earned money go to people who don’t want to work? Why should I work so people can go sell drugs and become baby making machines? That’s what we say right?
Here’s The Problem
Here is the problem. If we claim to love God and say we are a Chrisitan, we can’t be like that. Why? Because God’s word instructs us to help the poor and needy. He tells us to help widows and orphans. It’s also pretty clear how the Lord feels about us treating children right?
People Abuse It!
I know, there is still the big “but”, of the people who abuse it. Think about it like this. God’s word also requires us to give 10% tithe and offerings. Many refuse to pay because of one reason or another, but the most frequent excuse heard is “I’m not giving my money to that pastor or that church”.
The thing is you are not giving that money to them. You are being obedient to God’s word and doing what He has asked of you. Whatever happens with it after it leaves your hands is between them and God. If they misuse it, they will have to answer for that. Just like if someone is misusing funds acquired to help people they will answer to God for that.
Different Situations
There was a time when I worked for income-based housing. Every bit of income was verified just so people could find a place to live. Let me tell you the rent was most certainly not as cheap as they would like you to believe. There were grandparents on fixed incomes raising their grandchildren. Sure, maybe they had deadbeat parents or parents that just passed away. There were widows. Single mothers with disabled children who needed constant care. Sick people with no family to help them in anyway.
I’m sure most of us would say well they deserve help. They do, but in order for them to get it there will be people who lie and cheat to get the same kind of help. That is just the world we live in.
Hurting People
Taking it to social media and making people feel like dirt for finding themselves in a position of needing help doesn’t fix anything. If we as people would follow God’s word in helping the poor there would be no need for the government to have created a system that helps them for us.
Did you know that only 11%-14% of the entire federal budget goes to government assistance? That isn’t just food stamps either. It’s unemployment and a list of other things. I highly doubt the amount that comes from our weekly paycheck that goes toward that is even significant enough to make a fuss over. Not with the over consumption of our country these days.
The Greatest Commandments
“If you love Me, Keep My commandments”. That’s what the Lord said. If we truly love God and take being a Christian seriously then helping those in need should be automatic for us. There will always be those who abuse things and at this point in life you know that.
Matthew 22:36-40 New King James Version
36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
If you want to be part of the solution, grumbling, complaining and talking down about people who need help is most definitely not the Christian way or the effective way to do it.
What would Jesus do?
Matthew 25:40 New King James Version
40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
Proverbs 14:31 New King James Version
31 He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.
**Lord thank You for reminding me that to whom much is given much is required. Everything I have is because of you so that I can be a blessing to others and let them see You love through me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen**
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