WHAT IS THE CHURCH’S RESPONSIBILITY TO
THE WIDOW
& THE WIDOW’S RESPONSIBILITY TO THE
CHURCH?
Let’s begin with the “widow’s
responsibility to the Church,” because in answering this question we, in part,
answer the question, “What is the church’s responsibility to the widow?”
When St Paul gave Timothy
guidelines for caring for the widow (1 Timothy 5:3-16), he said,
1.
The widow must be
in and have a genuine need (v3).
2.
If there are
children or grandchildren who are of the “household of faith,” it is first
their responsibility to see that the need of the widow requesting help is met (v 4).
3.
The widow
requesting help must be over 60, been faithful to her husband and well known in
the Church for her good deeds (e.g.: raising children, showing hospitality,
serving in humility, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds
of good deeds). (v 9-10).
Clearly in this passage we
see what the widow’s responsibilities to the Church. She is:
1.
To have been a
faithful wife to her husband
2.
To set an example
for younger women
3.
To have raised
children honorably
4.
To be hospitable,
that is, not live a life unto herself but others
5.
To serve others
in humility,
6.
To be a
peacemaker, not causing trouble and discord in the Church by her conduct or
speech
7.
To be committed
to doing good deeds by helping others
With that in mind, what is
the Church’s responsibility to the widow?
Let’s begin with that which is not temporal. The Church should provide:
1.
Caring support
relational to a widow’s emotional, physical, mental and spiritual needs
wherever and whenever possible.
2.
Frequent
reasonable visits, CDs or DVDs of services, reading and listening material
3.
Transportation to
church and other associated activities, if there
are no
family members or relatives capable of transporting the widow.
4.
Financial
assistance in cases genuine and there are no family members to help.
(In many
countries, like America, we pay into Social Security most of our lives and
receive Social Security after we reach the age of 65. In cases where the widow does not have family
to assume the responsibility of caring for her, then the church, if she has met
the requirements laid down in 1 Timothy 5, should do so.)
5.
Equally important
is that the Church provides an atmosphere where the widow knows she is loved,
appreciated and in good hands.
Ultimately, what the church
and the widow should seek to demonstrate are the words of St John when he says,
“The world will know we are Christians by our love one for another.” When the widow and church work together to
advance the Kingdome of God, Jesus’ love shines through.
Message by J. Bruce Sofia
Message by J. Bruce Sofia
I would like to share with you wonderful music by "Higher Ground". Sit back and enjoy music that will be a blessing to you. The first song is a favorite of mine. Whenever there was any sickness in my life, I would play this song to remind me that I was healed.
"YOU ARE HEALED" BY HIGHER GROUND
"THIS IS THAT" BY HIGHER GROUND
"I AM FREE" BY HIGHER GROUND
"WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON" BY HIGHER GROUND
