The early Christians helped each other out when believers were in need. Apparently, some people took advantage of church charity. Also, in anticipation of the Lord’s immediate return, others stopped working to devote themselves to religious activities. Paul reproved those who were unwilling to work:
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. (2Thessalonians 3:6-12 ESV)
https://biblehub.com/esv/2_thessalonians/3.htm
Paul encouraged families to take care of their own. He condemned failure to care for elderly family members in need:
But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1Timothy 5:8 ESV)
https://biblehub.com/esv/1_timothy/5.htm
Today, our churches and families have abdicated most of the burden of caring for the poor, disabled and elderly to the public social welfare system. Within limits, we welcome efforts by the American people to fulfill their social responsibility to care for the most needy among us. These programs, however, create dependency and are fraught with abuse. They must be administered carefully and continuously improved.
The existence of public social welfare programs does not absolve our churches and families from their responsibility to care for the poor, and especially those who are members of the family of God and our own relatives.
When lazy, disruptive people take advantage of
the kindness of the brethren, or the general public, they must be required to
earn their own living. There is dignity
in any honest work. When we earn our own living, it gives us self-respect.
