Whose Welfare?

 Welfare, in American political terms, is basically economic assistance from the government given to people deemed in need. 

 Many people will argue that welfare is a waste of American money.  Working men and women pay into these programs, only to have a large amount of their money given to people who take advantage of the programs.  However, shouldn't America be a compassionate and charitable country?  What about the people who are truly in need?

I'm not saying people should not take care of people who are in need.  There is no shame in asking for help when you need it.  Food stamps have helped many people who work hard, but still cannot make ends meet..  My submission is that caring for people in need should be the job of the church.

When I say the church, I am refering to individual Christians.  The Bible calls us to care for widows and orphans and those who cannot take care of themselves.  Jesus, Himself, loved the poor.

But guess what?  The Bible also says that in order to eat, you must work.  Wouldn't it be better if, not only do individuals take care of people in need, but those who are struggling for employment and are able to work are encouraged to work in exchange for assistance? 

The principal behind welfare is not a bad one, but perhaps our country would be better served if people took personal responsibility for the care of their neighbors.

"Give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day...teach a man to fish and he'll eat for the rest of his life."