There are those who vehemently oppose social programs like welfare, maintaining that those who have little should not be helped by those who have more. This attitude – often by those who call themselves religious – is an anathema to God. In verses nine and ten of Leviticus 19, He specifically instructs landowners to leave grain and produce behind, after harvesting, for the “poor and stranger,” people who did not plant, harvest, or own these crops. His seriousness about this act of kindness is followed by the pronouncement: "I am the Lord." Many of these folks also assume a very punitive posture towards immigrants, but God has another word for them in verses 33 and 34: “Do not mistreat foreigners who live in your land. Treat them as you do your own. Love them as you love yourself. You, too, were once foreigners in a strange land and you know what it was like to be mistreated. I am the Lord your God.” (The Clear Word)
There are those who vehemently oppose social programs like welfare, maintaining that those who have little should not be helped by those who have more. This attitude – often by those who call themselves religious – is an anathema to God. In verses nine and ten of Leviticus 19, He specifically instructs landowners to leave grain and produce behind, after harvesting, for the “poor and stranger,” people who did not plant, harvest, or own these crops. His seriousness about this act of kindness is followed by the pronouncement: "I am the Lord." Many of these folks also assume a very punitive posture towards immigrants, but God has another word for them in verses 33 and 34: “Do not mistreat foreigners who live in your land. Treat them as you do your own. Love them as you love yourself. You, too, were once foreigners in a strange land and you know what it was like to be mistreated. I am the Lord your God.” (The Clear Word)