Jeremiah 26-27 / 2 Thessalonians 3 / Psalm 85 / Proverbs 25:16
How does it make you feel when someone is always asking you for help or handouts but not reciprocating? I enjoy being generous but when I notice that the other person is only receiving and not willing to give, I tend to back off on my giving a bit. Of course, it’s important to hear Holy Spirit because we don’t give to get. More important than expecting our relationships to be balanced in this area is that we hear God and obey Him.
However, scripture does talk about that if someone will not work, they should not eat. I understand that sounds harsh and I can’t imagine allowing someone to literally starve to death because they aren’t working. I think the point being made is more that once that belly starts to grumble, the lazy person should be motivated to work!
In my reading today I took note of the context of the verses in 2 Thessalonians 3. I believe some have taken these verses out of context because when one reads the body of the message in verses 6-15 it seems apparent that we are talking about a lazy person who will not work, expecting others to meet all their needs. That person seems like a thief in my opinion. Let’s look at verse 6.
2 Thessalonians 3:6 NLT …keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.
The Passion Translation says it this way – stay away from believers who are unruly and who stray from all that we have taught you.
Unruly is defined in the notes as undisciplined, lazy, or not in battle order or not in your duty station. There is an implication that there were some believers in the city who simply refused to work for a living. Paul had set an example of working alongside his call to ministry. Paul appears to be saying it is improper for the church to support those who refuse to work. Personal responsibility is a big deal.
Living in community requires that all have a part to play and have an area in which they are encouraged and expected to give. Community works because all are giving what they have for the sake of the others. In this way, no one is left wanting or needy. Perhaps if we still lived this way, the broken welfare system would not be needed. I will not open that can of worms here.
How do we balance grace and mercy with truth in this area? I believe we give people every opportunity to get back on their feet and change, but when it becomes apparent that one is not willing to bear his or her own burden, it’s time for a discussion. If exhortation works, great. If not, it’s time for the lessons of life to speak for themselves.
At least when able-bodied adults are involved. If the elderly, disabled, or children are involved, let’s step up as the body of Christ and help those who are truly in need. Part of the problem is there are not many who are truly in need apart from the orphans and widows referred to in scripture. Let me clarify that in abusive situations that abused person is an orphan in my book and is worthy of help getting back on her or his feet. Yes, men are also abused.
If the church of Jesus Christ were operating according to scripture, I do believe our world systems, along with our household would look more stable and be stronger. There is something to be said for multi-generational communities living together and sharing strengths as well as needs.
The next time you see someone in need, pray first about how to help instead of beginning with judgment. Time will tell what type of person you have in front of you, and no gift given with a sincere heart is ever wasted in God’s eyes.
