Should a Christian go on welfare?

Answer

In the United States, various government programs collectively known as “welfare” provide financial assistance and support with essential needs for individuals in need. Welfare assistance is offered through programs like Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly referred to as “food stamps.” Government welfare essentially involves redistributing wealth: funds are collected through taxation from employed individuals and distributed to those who are unemployed or earning insufficient income to support themselves. Considering certain biblical passages that instruct individuals to “bear their own burden” «For every man shall bear his own burden. », (Galatians 6:5), some Christians raise ethical concerns regarding reliance on welfare or receiving government aid.

Primarily, God has emphasized that caring for widows and orphans is a significant priority for Him and should also be a priority for His followers (Malachi 3:5;Exodus 22:22;Deuteronomy 24:20;James 1:27). One of the initial ministries of the early church was providing food for widows «And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. », (Acts 6:1). However, even this form of “welfare” had specific requirements: “No widow may be enrolled on the list unless she is over sixty, has been the wife of one husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, assisting those in distress, and devoting herself to every good work.”to all kinds of good deeds” (1 Timothy 5:9-10). Welfare through the church was limited to widows who were destitute through no fault of their own and had no family to care for them (1 Timothy 5:3-8).

Christians who find themselves in need of assistance may face the choice of going on government-provided welfare. Reduced income, job loss, family abandonment, injury, etc., can lead to financial hardships that require relief. Government welfare can offer a temporary respite until they can regain stability.

Regardless of whether one opts for welfare, here are some positive actions to take:

– Pray. We can approach God’s gracious throne with confidence and ask to “receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” «Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.», (Hebrews 4:16). We can seek wisdom at any time «If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. », (James 1:5).

– Seek the assistance of family members. Families are a built-in support system and are often well-placed to understand the situation and provide aid «But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. », (1 Timothy 5:8).

– Seek help from the church. Our church community can be a source of support for assisting a struggling member through a difficult period.

– Continue to provide for your own needs as much as possible. The Bible commends

This work emphasizes the importance of being active and cautions against voluntary inactivity. If someone is unemployed and capable of working, they should actively search for employment. If they are currently employed, they should persevere in their work and pray for better job opportunities (2 Thessalonians 3:6-14).

– “Give thanks in all circumstances” «In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. », (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Some Christians may hold personal beliefs against utilizing government welfare, and that is understandable. It is a matter between them and the Lord. However, seeking welfare assistance is not inherently wrong. The system is designed to aid those in need, and individuals with legitimate needs should feel comfortable accessing it. Christians should not worry that they are disobeying God by utilizing the “safety net” established for people in their circumstances. Government welfare may simply be God’s way of providing for them until they can return to work or until another means of provision becomes available.