Perhaps there is a little self-righteousness when it comes to all this charity...It is mentioned in God's word...
Self-righteousness? No. Merely the realization that the secular attitude towards charity is pervasive in our society. To the point where it is espoused even among Christ's people. If we weren't in the religion forum we'd be talking about how you can't trust a single one of these scam artists or bums, etc. I don't think anyone can say this is not the common view.
If there is work to do and you're capable of working, it would be wise to get involved in that endeavor instead of standing on a street corner and begging
Nothing against work. It is necessary. However, it is not for us to use those scriptural passages as a justification to not do charity when the opportunity presents itself.
I will reject that statement. Protestants prefer to 'teach a man to fish' - That is true. But when the man can't fish, then the aspect changes. As a survivor of a long term illness, I was a recipient of that charity... Some of it directly from church coffers, but much more in 100 dollar bills simply left inside my screen door. And more came in support of my wife who suddenly found herself the sole and primary provider of a family of six. Her income had to change drastically, and that 'teach a man to fish' aspect was in service. From a mini-van suddenly appearing in the driveway, to clients bolstering her newly formed business; many, many good Christian folks helped us out in the most wonderful sort of charity - Mostly anonymously, straight from the heart.
So by my personal testimony and witness, across YEARS as a direct recipient thereof, I can tell you without reservation that your criticism holds no water at all.
Excuse me, but the common "secular" attitude pervasive in our society matches Catholicism much more than any other non-Catholic faith. Today, in our government, people are given a "free ride" to just sit around and get into trouble. The poorest of the poor in America do better than many middle classes in other countries. We will never solve the poverty problem by throwing more money at it. How many TRILLIONS have been spent already in this "War on Poverty" and there are even MORE "poor" than there has ever been here before then. Government largess has only served to weaken the family and keep multiple generations trapped in the welfare cycle. There is no incentive to work for many.
God loves a cheerful giver but our charitable giving should NEVER be viewed as a way to earn God's grace to be saved. The motive should be out of love for God and our fellow man, not earning our way to heaven by works of charity. I also resent statements that conclude "Protestants" don't care as much for the poor as Catholics do. A great many charitable organizations and ministries are funded and operated BY non-Catholic Christian groups. Those who are truly in need must be provided for by ALL - not just religious groups. By having the government take over that responsibility through confiscatory taxation only has served to diminish ALL of us - those in need as well as those who can and want to give.