1st Timothy 5:9-10. “Let not a woman be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.” SIXTY YEARS. It is not a magic number, but some things are obvious to all; When a person reaches sixty years, we often need to call On others who are younger to step up and bear the yoke, That was once easy so that never once we spoke Of its weight or our lack of strength to carry It is the desired objective or the subject soon to bury. But gradually, physical strength retreated to the relentless march of time So that now one of sixty years of age needs help to bear what once was mine.
It is not easy to admit our need for help, so we may not ask If there is someone available to lend assistance in this task. When there is a list of names of those who need our help – It makes it easier for all involved, without fuss, to share the wealth. At sixty years old, a woman alone will find it hard to make her way Alone through life and even to meet her obligations every day. So if, without fanfare or embarrassing questions, aid is given to her She will appreciate beyond words the help given to her to endure.
Her reputation remains intact; her sense of worth undiminished. She will apply herself with diligence to her work till it is finished. What she is able to do, she does; often her labor is unsung – But those she helped as best she could, appreciate all she has done. Those with needs, whether young or old, she has willingly been there to feed. Others needing a place to stay, to their dilemma she gave heed. She does what she does as to the Lord, in spite of sixty-plus years – And she deserves to be on the list so that she might rest from all her fears.
“May those sisters, Father, who give themselves to these very things, be able to rest constantly in the knowledge that You know their needs. May they find joy in serving Thee by means of serving Thy people and even others whose needs they are aware of. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
Younger widows may seek marriage at any cost, including those who are not believers and/or those men who do not have a commitment to live for the Lord Jesus Christ, even though they profess to be saved. She may also be idle and go about prying into the business of other people and gossiping. A second marriage for a widow is not condemned when it is "in the Lord." Indiscreet conduct is a reproach to the whole assembly, and apparently, some had already "turned aside" in that way. There are these reasons for refusal, so the requirement for younger widows is quite clear. Support from the assembly is not necessary when it can be met from private sources, making it possible for the assembly to be able to support those who are "widows indeed."