Widows Matter

“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.” (1 Timothy 5:3-6)

Widows matter. How often do you hear someone say that? Probably not very often. Sadly, widows are often overlooked. Ignored. Forgotten.

But not to God! The New Testament says more about widows than we would expect. It repeatedly encourages Christians to care for widows as one important way to show their faith. Why? Well, 2,000 years ago, there was no social security. It was difficult for a woman to find a job. If a woman’s husband died, she was in a very difficult situation. Who cared? God did, and so Christians did too.

Widows matter! In fact, the apostle Paul commanded Timothy and his congregation to make sure they gave “proper recognition” to widows. In other words, in some situations, Christian congregations were to directly support the financial needs of widows in their midst. Widows were never to be forgotten.

Notice, however, that two groups of widows weren’t to be included in this care. First, if widows had family members who could provide for them, those family members needed “to put their religion into practice” and care for their relatives. Second, if widows lived “for pleasure,” they weren’t to receive financial support from their churches either. Widows who waste money or live an immoral lifestyle are “dead” even while they are alive. Like all of us, widows need to watch out for sinful temptations.

Yet, if you’re a widow, hear the Bible’s message to you: You matter! God understands your hurt, and he hasn’t forgotten about you. Actually, he cares about you deeply. He loves you immensely. Even though you might feel sadness and loss, put your hope in God. Pray to him day and night. Trust that he hears every one of your prayers and rejoice in your fellow Christians who care about you.

Widows matter. Hopefully, you hear that often in your Christian church. Let’s care for our sisters in Christ.

Dear Lord God, you love widows deeply and never forget about them. Help the widows in our midst to put their hope in you and receive support and encouragement from their family in Christ. Amen.