Welfare State

In the last week, many aspects of the Welfare State have been changed. Just to make life even more interesting,  the tax system has been changed too. 

As in all such changes, there will be winners and losers. While the Government states that its aim is to reduce the deficit in our national budget, everyone has an opinion as to whether the right people are paying for the reductions. 

It is striking that when the Israelites left Egypt, after 400 years of slavery, they were told to behave well towards all. '“Do not take advantage of foreigners who live among you in your land. Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself. Remember that you were once foreigners living in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God. 

“Do not use dishonest standards when measuring length, weight, or volume. Your scales and weights must be accurate. Your containers for measuring dry materials or liquids must be accurate. I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt.' (Leviticus 19.33-36)
Social cohesion would come when people were treated well. Instead of the 'down on foreigners' slogans of our day, there was to be a generosity of spirit, rooted in the memory of their recent slavery.

In the New Testament, we find the same challenge to be generous within the growing diverse Christian communities. 'Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval.' (Romans 14.1-4)

We are all different in background, experience and prospects, and so we need to learn how to be a Good News community to all we meet. If we can offer a genuine welcome and place of safety to all, then we will be able to help one another to grow to know Jesus better. And the welfare of all would be sustained.

Best wishes,

Richard