WWJD By Dr. Richard Youngblood
Question:
What is our responsibility toward people who come to us asking for help but
seem unwilling to work even though they appear quite capable?
Certainly we must not naively trust that every appeal for help is justified. There are individuals who use the generosity of others improperly and refuse to accept responsibility for their own lives. But neither should we use the evidence of laziness, welfare fraud or dishonesty as an excuse to withhold compassion from others for fear we may reward some evil. It is far better to err on the side of compassion than not to help people with genuine needs.
Jesus taught that giving to the poor lays up treasure in heaven that will never be exhausted or stolen by thieves (Luke 12:33, 18:22). He said, “Blessed are the poor” (Luke 6:20), and he taught that his followers should care for others in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 12:25-37). But the mission of Jesus also included preaching “good news to the poor” (Luke 4:18).
On the other hand, under guidance of the Holy Spirit from Jesus, the apostle Paul wrote: “For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: If a man will not work, he shall not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10 NIV). Any form of help to others that knowingly allows them to evade personal responsibility through deceit or laziness is misguided. For example, parents do not help their children’s education by doing homework and writing reports for them. Covering for a friend who is absent from work, cheating on her husband, or using illegal drugs and alcohol, is no real favor.
Perhaps there is a better way to deal with this problem. Would it not be better to seek the long-range good that can only come through giving of our time, efforts and guidance as well as food, clothes and money? This kind of help can give dignity and respect while also encouraging those in need to accept responsibility for their own lives so far as possible. I believe Jesus would endorse the saying, “Give a person a fish and you feed him for a day, but teach him to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Making this kind of effort toward those who ask for help, tests the quality of our compassion. It takes more effort than some are willing to give, but it can change lives and not just meet day-to-day needs.
Jesus questioned a man who had been invalid for thirty-eight years, “Do you want to get well?” In His compassion for the poor and sick, Jesus never allowed them to evade responsibility for their own lives and actions. Not having His ability to perceive their hearts, we will make mistakes. That should not stop us from helping. However, I would propose that we give careful thought to what it really means to show compassion to others. When we consider the long-range best interest of a person in need, compassion may mean that our giving would take different forms for different people at different times. May God bless you for caring.
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