Christians are called to be compassionate, giving to the poor and aiding the needy, yet there exists a tension with personal responsibility. While God commands us to support others in need, He also emphasizes the importance of individual effort and accountability. In a society where government and private handouts are common, a welfare mentality can develop among long-term recipients, fostering an attitude of entitlement. Over time, they may feel they deserve help and become offended if it is not provided or if self-reliance is suggested. This mindset poses a spiritual danger when it influences a Christian's relationship with God, suggesting that His freely given grace requires nothing in return. Such a welfare mentality, rooted in the way of get, stands in stark contrast to God's way of give, which calls for outgoing concern and esteeming others better than oneself. It can manifest in behaviors like laziness, sponging off others, making excuses for one's financial state, or expressing contempt for menial work. Rather than assuming others owe us something, we must recognize that God will take care of us, allowing us to focus on seeking His Kingdom and righteousness while rejecting the notion of deserving a free ride. Therefore, we must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.

The concept of a welfare mentality emerges as a significant concern when examining the use of government assistance programs like food stamps in America. If individuals are in good health and can afford non-essential items such as smartphones, lottery tickets, new tattoos, illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco, new cars, cable TV, and Internet access, they should not be receiving welfare. Welfare is intended for those who lack the basic means to survive, such as a place to live, clothing, food, and water. When people use welfare to consistently pay for luxuries and desires rather than necessities, it suggests a character problem, akin to taking advantage of others' generosity. Recent data indicates that as of June 9, 2017, 41 million Americans, or just under 15% of the population, receive welfare, costing taxpayers approximately $70 billion annually. Despite a slight decrease from the 43 million reported in 2016, largely due to an improved economy, the numbers remain substantial. In some states, laws requiring recipients to work for food stamps have led to a significant drop in the number of people receiving assistance, suggesting that many may be avoiding work out of laziness rather than genuine need. This indicates that a considerable number might be exploiting the system, receiving welfare when it is not truly necessary. Historically, government assistance as known today did not exist until about a century ago, slowly integrating into various systems. In contrast, the responsibility of caring for the indigent was traditionally a family obligation. If no family support was available, needs were met through slavery or voluntary aid from local communities. This historical perspective underscores a shift from personal and communal responsibility to a reliance on government programs, potentially fostering a welfare mentality among some recipients.