If you can’t work due to illness, should you not eat?
Question:
In II Thessalonians 3:10-12 it says if we won't work neither should we eat. I always feel bad because I can't work anymore. My wife and I are disabled and I can hardly count all the diseases I have and move only in a powerchair. Should we turn down any request to eat at people's houses or just not eat?
Answer:
"For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread" (II Thessalonians 3:10-12).
Paul is discussing those who will not work, not those who cannot work. The problem in Thessalonica was that people decided the return of the Lord was going to be very soon, so they stopped working altogether. Paul states that if people are determined not to work, then they should not be feed.
While there are many people who are able to work, but rather use any excuse to avoid work, you make it clear that such isn't true in your case. While there may not be a whole lot you can do, fill your time with doing productive things. Even sending out words of encouragement or going to sit with someone who is housebound for a few hours to keep them company are things that you can do to serve the Lord. The concern Paul had was that those choosing not to work end up filling their idle time with things that were sinful.
