Honor widows who are widows indeed; but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day. But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives. 1 Timothy 5:3-6
Widows bear a great loss and often are gripped with fear about the future and even making ends meet. Paul wanted the believers to continue the practice of Jews which was to care for widows. But, not all widows were to be ‘on the list’. One priority was for their own family- children and grandchildren to care for them. If she was a widow indeed who was left alone and over 60 years old, then the church was to care for her needs. Sometimes the church does well and other times we fail at the practical expressions of God’s love. Paul did give Timothy a heads up about some who might try to take advantage of the church.
How informed am I about the needs of our older adults and widows in particular?
God, as this day begins, please continue to work within the life of Crossroads Christian Church to make us ever mindful of the practical needs of one another. Thank you for the many people who minister to widows and ease their loss and make life worth living. Remind the widows to be prayerful and faith-filled trusting God will meet their deepest needs.
