I recently learned that my friend lost his job.
As my wife and I pondered what we could do to help, I was reminded of a time when this particular friend helped me pay for a college class I couldn’t afford, but needed to take. In the Bible I found these words:
“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality…” (2 Cor. 8:12-15, NIV)
My first thought when I read this was, “Is the Bible supporting socialism? I mean, any time you start talking about economic equality, you’re talking about former Soviet Union stuff, right?”
I’m happy to report that the Bible isn’t socialist. My first read of this verse made me wonder,
the second read cleared it up.
In government social programs, even those in the U.S., people are forced to contribute “help” via taxes. The Bible passage I quoted spoke about “willingness” and a “gift,” two concepts foreign to the tax-and-redistribute mentality harbored by socialists.
I often hear of politicians misusing the “compassion” taught in the Bible to justify vast government expenditures to “help” the (fill-in-the-blank) people. This kind of coercive charity is the opposite of Biblical values. The Apostle Paul explained, “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’” (2 Cor. 9:7)
Taxes rarely evoke “cheerfulness” as an emotion, at least for me.
What is the Bible suggesting, then, if not socialism, for those in need?
I find two answers. First, hard work and wise financial management. Those unwilling to work should not eat. (2
Thess. 3:10) Second, the voluntary sharing of
resources. To those who cannot provide for themselves (like widows or orphans), or
those fallen upon hard times (like the people who've lost a job or who've had a medical emergency), the Bible instructs us to give
generously. That’s the system. The government doesn't need to be involved.
(Side note: Direct biblical instructions for politicians who raise taxes to pay for social programs: Ephesians 4:28)
What would be the benefits of following the Bible's plan?
1. The opportunity to bless others. In Bible times, Christians were under a lot of pressure and persecution. Many found themselves in desperate poverty, and those who were rich responded. Some sold off extra land they owned to meet the needs. (Acts 4:32-37) Together, they shared. Instead of the “curse” of taxes and inefficiencies of government bureaucracy, they experienced the joy of loving one another through generosity.
2. The accountability of receiving personal help. Most people balk at receiving help from a friend. “You don’t have to do that!” “I just wouldn’t feel right taking your money.” That’s a far cry from a discussion at a welfare agency, wouldn’t you say? When giving is personal, the recipient feels his or her need to not take advantage of the giver. The opposite attitude is bred when the government doles out the cash: “How much can I get?” “I’m entitled to this.” “They should do more to help me!” It’s no surprise that the same person who refuses personal charity will fill out endless forms to get whatever social services they can get their hands on. Why? One word: accountability. If your good friends Joe and Sally are sacrificing their own well-being to help you out, you’ll be motivated to get a job. You’ll hesitate before you buy sport-rims for your 1985 Charger. You’ll feel responsible instead of entitled.
I know that a topic like this raises questions. “What if…” “What about…” Sure.
My friend is seeking a job right now, and in the meantime he’s living on less and praying for wisdom. He’s not going to ask the government to force working people to foot his bills.
That’s why I’m cutting him a check this afternoon. Of my own free will.
(I wrote this article for publication in the Marco Island Sun Times a few months back, under the friendlier title "Living well without welfare." This rendition has been expanded slightly with sarcastic humor, for your enjoyment.)
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