Who takes care of the widow?

I Timothy 5:5–16
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It appears that Paul thought some were trying to escape their personal responsibility in caring for those in their family and trying to make the church responsible. The primary reference here is to the obligation of children and grandchildren to support their widowed ancestors but in a general way can include the duty of parents to provide for their children (vv. 5-7). Suppose a Christian is unwilling to help support his loved-one?  “He is worse than an unbeliever” (v. 8)!

There is a warning about allowing the “charity” ministry of the church to encourage people to be idle (vv. 9-10). The church certainly needs to help those who need help but should not subsidize those who are not deserving. Every person who is able needs to have a job to do. There is definite connection between idleness and getting involved in sinful practices. 

God’s special care for the widows is a recurring theme in Scripture (Deut. 14:29; Psa. 94:6; Mal. 3:5) It was only right that the local church show compassion to these women who were in need. The church can not care for all the widows in their city, but it should care for all the believers who are a part of its fellowship. Godly widowsare often the spiritual powerhouse in the church and the backbone of the prayer meetings. Special instruction is given for younger widows as they are encouraged to marry again and get busy serving others (vv. 11-16). One thing that widows can do is provide hospitality for God’s servants who are traveling.

Application

Have each person in my family think of someone who has been a big help to them spiritually. Then ask if adequate appreciation has been expressed to them. If they depend on the gifts of God’s people for food, clothing and shelter maybe as a family we could send some financial support as a token of appreciation.