Faith
Restoring Biblical Responsibility in Welfare
Faith Facts
- The Bible calls on families, communities, and churches to care for those unable to work, not the government.
- Work is part of God’s design for humanity and is foundational to Christian living.
- When the state replaces family and church in charity, these institutions lose their God-given role and strength.
Miriam Cates stresses that while those who are unable to work deserve care, Scripture assigns this duty to families and the church, not the government. True Christian charity flows from communities and the body of Christ, encouraging compassion and responsibility under God’s guidance.
Kemi Badenoch recently emphasized to the Conservative Christian Fellowship that upholding the dignity of work is a biblical command. Citing 1 Timothy 5:8, she reminded believers that care for one’s household is a matter of faith and witness.
“Anyone who does not provide for his own household… is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8)
The Bible’s model demonstrates support for the vulnerable through direct action by families and spiritual community, not bureaucratic systems. Dependence on the state for welfare undercuts biblical values and weakens the vital bonds that hold families and neighborhoods together.
Government’s core biblical purpose is to uphold order and justice, as seen in passages like 1 Peter 2:14 and Romans 13:4. While righteous rulers should protect the needy from exploitation, state-enforced wealth redistribution is not commanded in Scripture.
Overexpansion of welfare has contributed to the decline of family cohesion and church life. As the state swells, many are left isolated, and the blessings of work and community fade, leading to increased loneliness and dependency.
Policies that undermine the incentives for marriage, hard work, and child-rearing run counter to the biblical vision of flourishing. God intends for men and women to find purpose in work, family, and generous service to one another.
“Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.” (Genesis 1:28)
Christian believers must reclaim their sacred obligation to care for the poor through generous love and service, not by outsourcing this call to the government. Restoring biblical charity is key to reawakening faith, family, and freedom in our nation.