1st Timothy 5:16. “If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.” FAMILY RESPONSIBILITY. Yes, they are alone in one way, but in another, it is their choice. They do not have to stay alone if they would listen to the family’s voice. Because there are sons and daughters and others of close kin – That makes it clear to the widow – she can come and live with them.
There is sometimes a sense of pride, and sometimes one’s just stubborn Determined to keep things as they always were, they demand too much from them – And resist the family’s care and plan, wanting only the way of their own But in such cases, the assembly does not have to pay for her to live at home.
Others have no family, and they truly are alone. There is no one but the assembly to whom they are able to turn. Food and shelter are basic needs that the assembly can supply – And those who complain about it should state the reason why.
A widow indeed may not ask for help or appeal to anyone. But in the assembly, there should be those who know what must be done. A visit to the widows in their affliction is never out of place. And it is helpful for all the saints to know how to show some spiritual grace.
The finances of a local church need to be dealt with very wisely. There are needs that continue on a regular basis, and some are done quite quickly. The widows and orphans need our help, and from our heavenly Father Comes the bounty through His children on the first day of the week when we gather.
“O All-knowing God, I set aside this money today to pass on as an offering to Thee. May it be an appropriate sum from the amount Thou hast given to us. May it be used by the assembly in Thy work; in the place of Thy choosing to produce the outcome Thou dost plan. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”