AboutMrs. Priscilla Lyons Expertise I have time for you. The Bible has been my guiding light for most of the 56 years of my life. My missionary parents in Brazil kindled a love for God`s Word by their example and their love for truth. The Lord has blessed my husband and me with responsible, independent children who love and serve the Lord and are our best friends. I would enjoy discussing any subject or problem from a Biblical perspective. I know the dangers of government entitlement mentality, the dangers of homosexuality, abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research, gun restrictions, pacifism and environmental extremism.
Experience My husband and I are active in local Republican politics and I've served on a Right to Life PAC.
I was wondering what the Bible says about welfare. I believe in helping thoes that are in need, but how can we be sure that all of thoes on welfare are in need? Also shouldn't it be the people's responsibility to help the needy(charities) and not the governments?
thank you for your time.
Answer Dear Sean,
Thanks for writing. Charity (welfare) is mentioned in the Bible many times, but it is only true charity, or loving care for others, when it is freely given, not coerced as the government welfare is, being funded by taxes you have to pay or else.
Sometimes subsidizing people who are making bad, expensive life choices only encourages them to continue in sin, which can be worse than no help at all. Most people find it difficult these days to make any distinction between good and bad choices for fear of appearing judgmental, so charity has evolved to become a right that government has to give equally, no matter how unequally worthy the recipients may be.
It's hard for people to give charitably when they are already forced to subsidize welfare with their taxes. Not only do I think it's NOT the government's responsibility to provide welfare, I also think that it undermines true charity as the Bible teaches.
But there is no turning back the clock. Dependence on government subsidies is the way things are now, and there is not enough political will to change back to personal responsibility, which might mean accepting some discomfort or deprivation.
I'm just thankful that there is still some freedom to encourage people to accept eternal life by entrusting their lives to God Who paid for the sin that separates us from Him. While I do what I can to scale back government's spending encroachment on our lives by voting for and helping conservative candidates, it's even more important to focus on the eternal welfare of others.
May your life reflect God and bring others to Him.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Priscilla Lyons
