Emphasis added by me.
He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must WORK, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to SHARE with those in need. Ephesians 4:28
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard WORK we must HELP the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to WORK with your hands, just as we told you, 1 Thessalonians 4:11
nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we WORKED night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:8
Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives. Titus 3:14
We are to work to provide for ourselves and share with those that CANNOT provide for themselves. It is not by compulsion or government theft. We give and receive, sow and reap, NOT tax and spend. God should be our source, not government.
Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Luke 6:38
He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done. Proverbs 19:17
Here is another way of thinking about it. The Jews spent several generations on the Egyptian plantation. It took God 40 years, and cost a whole generation their lives, to get Egypt (dependence on government) out of them, so they could trust God and receive their inheritance and The Blessing.
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