Read 1 Timothy 5:3-10. Pastors should be kind to older women as with mothers. In God’s household, we are all part of the same family. The word recognition means “care for.” Taking care of the widows is a vital concern in the old and new Testament. Look at Exodus 22:22; Deut. 24:17, 19-21; Job 29:13; Ps. 68:5; Isa. 1:17; Acts 6:1-4; 9:36,39,41; James 1:27.
Paul gives four guidelines for helping widows. Need, Family, Age, and character.
Need:
The church should help only godly widows who are in need 1 Timothy 5:3. Widows in need do not have family or other means of support. Caring for elderly widows in need is one of the ways believers express love in the family of God and testify to the world. Paul states two kinds of widows: those who put their hope in God and those who live for pleasure.
Family:
The church must care for the godly widows in need who are without family. Children and grandchildren owe a debt to aged parents and grandparents. Caring for elderly family members is one of the ways we show love and obey God’s commandment to honor fathers and mothers. Caring for the elderly is also a way that believers let their light shine in the world. Those who call themselves Christians yet don’t take care of their children and elderly parents/grandparents have committed apostasy. They have denied the faith and are worse than unbelievers. Why is this? Christians who don’t love are hypocrites. They claim to love God, yet they don’t love others; this gives the church a bad name.
Age:
The church should help widows over the age of sixty (1 Timothy 5:9). The church resources, such as money, were reserved for older widows who were unlikely to remarry.
Character:
The church should help godly widows. A widow shows her godliness through her life. She was faithful to her husband while he lived. She is known for “good deeds.” These deeds include “bringing up children,” which might consist of orphan children. She has a reputation for hospitality and humble service.
As for younger widows, the church must treat them like sisters. Also, be on guard to stay pure. Paul encourages the young widow to remarry a believer. By remarrying, the church is then not responsible for the young widow. As for a minister, they must protect themselves and lead with honor and not be misleading. One way of doing this is to have another woman be present.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that we will love like you do and be that light that shines your love for all. Help us to love everyone and to help take care of the widows in our church.
In Jesus Name
Amen
