Topic(s): Church

Todd Clippard

The New Testament authorizes the church to provide benevolent help in Galatians 6:10 -- "As we therefore have opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially those of the household of faith."

Some in the church attempt to discount this passage as applying to an individual Christian and not to the individual congregation. However, the epistle is addressed to the churches of Galatia (v 2). This applies to the congregations within that particular region. Christians within those congregations, upon hearing or reading Galatians 6:10, would immediately understand the congregational responsibility in matters of benevolence.

Some object by saying this is only an individual responsibility. However, Galatians 6 is filled with both "individual" and "collective" responsibilities. In fact, in the first three verses of chapter 6, there is a melding together of individual and collective responsibilities. One of the beauties of the KJV is it makes a distinction between singular (thee, thy) and plural (ye) pronouns. Consider these verses with the following identifications: individual = ind, collective = col . . .

"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual (col), restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself (ind), lest thou (ind) also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens (col), and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man (ind) think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself." KJV

So, whose responsibility is it to restore an erring brother? The congregation's or the individual Christian's? The answer is both. The same applies throughout the remainder of Galatians 6.

The same test may be applied to James 1-2. Reading the text and the mixture/blending of singular and plural pronouns makes it is impossible to make any distinction between an individual and collective responsibilities.

One question that may be asked of those who believe it's a sin for the church to help non-Christians is this . . . Can the church provide benevolent help (buy food, pay electric bill or rent) for a poor female member who has an unbelieving husband or non-Christian children of accountable age still living at home? If so, how does that church make a distinction between helping the Christian and the benefits also received by accountable non-Christians?

The doctrine of restricting benevolent help to saints only is contrary to scripture and to the spirit and example of Jesus.