It Starts Small

¹⁰ For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”

2 Thessalonians 3:10

Paul and his passionate associates fervently inspired the Thessalonian believers to stand firm. They opposed those who could contribute through work. Yet, they willingly chose to be idle. In today’s vernacular, we might label such individuals as “slackers.” Paul boldly declares that such behavior renders them unworthy of any assistance. He passionately urges the Thessalonians to withhold support from those who blatantly refuse to put in the effort. This echoes the vigorous principles laid out by Paul in passages such as 1 Timothy 5:11–13.

It’s abundantly clear in the text itself. However, let us emphasize that Paul did not suggest those who are unable to work are unworthy of support. There is a significant difference between someone who is physically unable to work and someone who can work. Some choose to shirk their responsibility. Jesus Himself championed the cause of the needy. He urged a man, “If you would be perfect, go. Sell what you possess and give to the poor. You will have treasure in heaven.” Then He said, “Come, follow me” (Matthew 19:21). If our fellow Christians are impoverished and in dire need, it is through no fault of their own. It is our sacred duty to help. We must rally around them. We should offer financial and material support. This conviction is precisely why so many churches uphold a benevolence fund! Paul tirelessly collected funds to assist the impoverished believers in Jerusalem (Acts 11:27–30; Romans 15:26; 1 Corinthians 16:1–3; Galatians 2:10).

This guideline is not rooted in judgment or vindictiveness. It is a call to action that is both practical and loving. Resources that could genuinely lift the helpless from despair are squandered when handed to the merely lazy. By enabling those who are content to rely on handouts, we foster a spiritually toxic mindset (Proverbs 18:9, 19:15). This discernment is crucial. An able-bodied person often finds the motivation to seek employment. This happens when the hunger pangs grow loud or the rent deadline looms. For the church and our culture, believers must withhold charity. This is even for the lazy individuals themselves. It prevents rewarding those who choose to freeload.

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