God’s welfare plan is far different than what we see within our society. God intends for us to be generous, but he does not desire for us to work on behalf of others outside of our family. Notice the principles being taught regarding those in need.
1. He desires for us to provide opportunity for others who are in need. Create jobs for others to meet their own needs!
Deut. 24:19-22 “When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow:”
2. God will provide enough increase for all parties involved!
“that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands. When thou beatest thine olive tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs again: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean it afterward: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow.”
3. We must respect the poor, because God has blessed us in our unworthy state.
“And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt: therefore I command thee to do this thing.”
LESSON - Government should not overreach in order to provide for the poor. That should be done through the generous hearts of Believers. And Believers must remember that we have been blessed to be a blessing. There will always be opportunities to give of our resources to them who are in need, but we must also look for options in which those in need may “earn their keep”. This allows us to be generous without encouraging slothfulness! Also, at no point should we view ourselves to be better than them who are poor. Remember, we are never more than a bad doctor’s visit, an accident, or a bad decision away from being poor ourselves! Go be a blessing to someone. Who knows? They may one day be a blessing to you.
~Mike