1 TIMOTHY 5: 1 – 8 

Widows, Elders and Slaves

5 Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, ² older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

³ Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. ⁴ 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. ⁵ 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. ⁶ But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. ⁷ Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. ⁸ Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Reminder:   This should be common sense to all of us, but unfortunately in our society today.  Too many people do not practice these commands when it comes to respecting their elders and providing for their family members.  Please, take the time and re-read verse FOUR and notice what it says about “repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.”  I’ve seen so many people being disrespectful to their parents and grandparents, which is not acceptable on any level.  Convey the love of Christ on your loved ones and others. Take care of those who’ve taken care of you when you couldn’t take care of yourself.  If you really love God, do what’s right!  It’s that simple. 

Blessings!  Walt