[metmom]

We are told to look after our brethren and Early Christians did that -- but remember that looking after includes helping the sick and helpless, but not to make them dumb pets or animals who can't help themselves. We are to leave the grain at the side of our fields for them to pick -- but they gotta do that work

There's a big difference between helping the sick and helpless poor, like the widows and orphans, and helping the poor who just won't work.

In the NT, Paul admonishes the church to take care of those who are truly in need, who do not have family to take care of them.

Also, the help is not to be a continual, lifetime support of them, but rather enough to help them get back on their feet.

1 Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith and is worse than an infidel.

2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.

[Cronos]

That's one interpretation -- it's not a fixed rule with unambiguous statements throughout. However, clearly we are meant to help -- and as I pointed out above in real-life experiences, just giving hand-outs does NOT help the poor.

Also, as you stated, family is important -- in the case of the poor kids I spoke about, it is incredibly clear -- a loving father and mother are invaluable in a child's development

One needs to speak to liberals with both scripture or in their own language to show them how leftist policies do not work.

[Cronos]

That's one interpretation -- it's not a fixed rule with unambiguous statements throughout. However, clearly we are meant to help -- and as I pointed out above in real-life experiences, just giving hand-outs does NOT help the poor.

Also, as you stated, family is important -- in the case of the poor kids I spoke about, it is incredibly clear -- a loving father and mother are invaluable in a child's development

One needs to speak to liberals with both scripture or in their own language to show them how leftist policies do not work, they do NOT help the poor, just create a set of dependents

And, in the end, those people sucking off the govt teat are unable to really fend for themselves and are reduced to a feral existence. Begging ruins the spirit.