Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

1 Timothy 5:8

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Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

1 Timothy 5:3-10

Commentary

This is a hard-hitting practical verse. Paul is writing to Timothy with instructions about how to run the affairs on a local church. Among other things, the local church is called to care for its members who are in need. However, there are some who may want to exploit the assistance of the church for their own gain. So, Paul is giving Timothy directives on how to decide who gets to be put on the list of widows who are to be cared for by the church. If the widow has family members who can provide for her, then they should.

This is also a good reminder when there are more bills than there is income. If you have a choice between paying a debt collector and feeding your family this week, then you tell the debt collector that he’s out of luck. If you find yourself tempted to buy the latest techno-gizmo or fancy piece of clothing, but your house is in foreclosure, then tell yourself you’re out of luck, then save every penny, and provide for your household.