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II Thessalonians 3:6-10, In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 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. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”

In this concluding chapter of II Thessalonians, Paul admonishes a group in the church who are causing disruption by refusing to work.  We don't know the details of the circumstances.  It's possible that this group believed Jesus' second coming was imminent, so there was no need to work and earn a living.  It could also be that this group found menial labor beneath them and wanted nothing to do with it.  Finally, it could be a group of individuals who had grown accustomed, possibly even entitled, to the church's generosity and did not want to have to work in return.  But Paul is clear: he worked and they would work too.  Whatever their motivations, this group was disruptive and creating problems within the church.  They would not be allowed to take advantage of the church's generosity.

As Christ-followers, we have clear commands from Jesus to care for the least of these.  Jesus fed the hungry and cared for those who had little.  The early church was obviously following the example of Christ and offering food to those who asked for it.  But at some point, giving can lead to entitlement.  Paul was certainly alluding to that.

Many of you know my background involves extensive work with homeless men, women, and families.  I've struggled with these issues but this is basically where I've landed; we are called to care for the needy but we never want to harm others by destroying initiative or creating dependency.  Historically, church outreach programs have engaged in one-directional giving, things like food giveaways, clothes closets, and soup kitchens.  While there is a place for such ministry, it must be limited and targeted.  To see meaningful change, we must address root causes, building real relationships and working with ministries that empower people to make hard but necessary long-term transformation. 

Let's pray...Jesus, We want to care for the least and lost.  Give us wisdom to do it in ways that are effective and lead to real transformation.  Give us the courage to do hard things.  In Your Name, Amen.