Im not a very religious person and I get frustrated when people use religion or the Bible to say that we are not being Christian if we dont help people, so I did a little research. Of course, the saying (or something similar), Give a man a fish and he eats for a day, Teach a man to fish and he eats for life. is not from the Bible, but a Chinese proverb. However, 2-Thessalonians 3:10-12 says: 10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither let him eat. 11 For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who dont work at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Yeshua the Messiah, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. So, my take - while not the same as teach a man to fish, it is basically saying that people need to work to eat. I dont think not helping people is not Christian (get that double/triple negative?) What I believe is that we need to teach people to be able to take care of themselves and the helping part is not giving them everything, but teaching them how to work, how to fish, how to live, so that they can do for themselves. Its helping them find a job, but not giving them everything. Yes, people do get in situations where they need help and Ive often given food to someone on a street corner (not money). Id rather help them by teaching them a new skill and helping them get a job though (if I have the skill set to do so). OK - thats my personal opinion. Start the thrashing... Go!
Posted on: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 14:28:47 +0000
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