April 9
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ON CARING FOR WIDOWS
9 A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, 10 having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work. 11 But refuse to register younger widows, for when they feel physical desires alienating them from Christ, they want to get married, 12 thereby incurring condemnation, because they have ignored their previous pledge. 13 At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also, they become gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention. 14 Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, have children, manage their households, and give the enemy no opportunity for reproach; 15 for some have already turned away to follow Satan. 16 If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are actually widows. – 1 Timothy 5:9-16
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Paul was very specific in his letter to Timothy about caring for the widows. He couldn’t be any clear about the widows that deserved to be cared for. He has the following guidelines on qualifications of widows worth caring for in verses 9-10. These widows must not be less than sixty years old; wife of only one man; have a reputation for good works; has brought up children; shown hospitality to strangers; has washed the saints’ feet; assisted those who are in distress; and devoted herself to every good work.
On the other hand, Paul has disqualified widows also and here are the reasons why they do not have to be taken cared of: those who are younger than 60 years old because they still feel physical desires that veers them away from serving Christ because of these longings; those who are idle; those who gossip and busybodies.
Paul actually encourages younger widows to get married and have children and manage their household as a weapon against the enemy’s ploy to tempt them into sin.
Even a woman who has a dependent widow is also encouraged to ensure that they are supported so that it won’t be a burden for the church so they can actually continue to help those who are actually widows without any other resources. This is how we manifest the love of God. We ought to care for our widows who need us.
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REFLECTION
• Why does our current world does not encourage many to care for widows?