1st Timothy 5:4-8. “But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. But she that liveth in leisure is dead while she liveth. And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” SUPPORT. Self-supporting families were a design made by God Right at the beginning, work was planned that everyone should Be able to support themselves, their own children, and brothers – All the extended family, too, and in some cases, others.
So widows who have family have the right to expect Help from their own kindred first, and then the assembly next. For there may be occasions when the family can’t meet – Their obligations to the widows who are widows indeed.
There may be times when we learn that help is wasted On things unnecessary and the pleasures of sin tasted. When that happens, let them find the resources of their own – And perhaps they will understand that help is given for needs at home.
When a person is alone, they give attention to the things of the Lord, And directs her interests into ways she can please God – That person trusts God to help her, and then God, in His way, Places the burden on the assembly, which they are willing to pay.
For the most part, however, working families can care For those of their kindred, when together they share From what they receive, and then together can give All that is needed that widows in comfort can live.
I have those in my family who are living alone – But their needs are well met from sources of their own.
The needs they have are more in the area of knowing They are significant to others as the truth they are upholding.
“Gracious Father, Thy grace is certainly sufficient for me. May my grace be there for others who have needs beyond more sustenance. We have been recently with a newly widowed sister in Christ, and there are a number in this place. Help us to help them, I pray, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
There are some qualifications given for those who, in the past, were cared for by the assembly. That still holds true in many parts of the world today, where there is no assistance given by the government of a nation for those who are in need. A widow taken into the number of those cared for by the assembly has to be at least 60 years old. She had a good marriage record and was given to hospitality toward strangers, indicating the fact that she had a desire to meet the needs of others when she was able. The ministry of care and love for the saints at her own cost was evidence of her humility and obedience. The maturity and wisdom an older sister has, along with her abilities and gifts, are used to bring relief to others, giving credibility to the necessity of relief for her when that time comes. Her good works have been witnessed when she looks for areas where she can serve the Lord. These women are worthy of honor. When one follows the "foot washing" principle exemplified and taught by the Lord Jesus, we will find ourselves the object of respect. Hospitality, humility, and helping others are never out of date.