The argument regarding re-distribution of wealth seems to come down to this: Should care of the poor and needy fall to our individual, charitable and church responsibilities, with government playing a minimal role? Or should government take the major role, with individual charitable efforts in support?
Consider these words from 2 Thessalonians 3: 8, 10-12:
8 Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
We believe in helping those in need. We have been in need at times in our lives and received help. But the help should be given freely and with no coercion from government. The receivers of charity should do all they can to be contributing members of society; if not financially, then with labor. We are denied the joy that accompanies reaching out and helping others when we allow government to do that job for us. Additionally, we have no control over how the government re-distributes our money. As stewards of all that God has given us, shouldn't part of that stewardship include ensuring that our offerings are received by the poor and needy? The government is often irresponsible with their stewardship over what they take from us. It is our belief that assistance should be done locally from churches, community, and neighbors.
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