Loving the Widows

Paul's treatment of the widow's is the most extensive treatment on one issue in the whole book of 1 Timothy.

Some of the active feminist advocates cling to this chapter to say that the women must play a more "up front" role in the church than what Paul previously stated in 1 Timothy 2:12-15.

It is in this section that Paul goes into detail to show what genuinely makes one a widow. And he continues by showing that the church must love and care for those who are really widows. However, young and wealthy widows are not to be supported (financially, that is) from the church, but were rather to reenter an appropriate marriage. In the case of other needy widows, the bottom line again appears to be Paul's insistence that the church step into the gap where the "anamalous situation" (a widow without kin) truly existed (cf. Towner, Letters of Timothy and Titus, 336).

The bottom line:

1 Timothy 5:8 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

May we be those that are sensitive to the needs of the older widows in our local congregations. May we love them, cherish them, help them, serve them and financially support them if they are in need.

After all, this is what the Lord's brother said about true religion:

James 1:27 27 This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.