Monday, 20^th March 2023

Andrews Ampomah

TOPIC: TAKE CARE OF WIDOWS

THEME SCRIPTURE: “Honor widows who are truly widows.” - 1 Timothy 5:3

PREPARATORY QUESTION:

1. How should we honor widows we know of?

 

In the spirit of handing down instructions to the believers, Paul details how a widow is supposed to conduct herself and our responsibility to take care of them. While Paul encourages us and for that matter the community of believers to cater for the needs of widows, he sets out to describe who truly is a widow. With the general knowledge that a widow is a woman that has lost her husband and has not remarried, Paul recommends that the widows that are supposed to be taken care of is “…one who is left alone and who has set her hope on God and continues in supplications night and day". 

He notes that the widows who have the habit of doing what they want in terms of not holding back on pleasure, and being idle all the time are not truly widows.

He affirms that those who have children and grandchildren are not truly widows too; obviously this refers to grown children and grandchildren but not children who also need to be cared for.

The emphasis of God’s word for today’s devotion is on the extension of God’s kindness to those who are truly widows by the community of believers.

Paul here says we should “honor widows who are truly widows.” The word honor here does not so much connote respect, but rather providing care for them in their areas of need. This is an instruction to the local community of believers, to ensure that those who are truly widows among us are well taken care of. The care here he recommends for widows is equal to what he recommends to elders or overseers of the local assembly.

Suffice to say, that not all true widows in our days have need of material things. Which suggests that our care for widows can cover prayer support and providing encouragement to them in their challenges. This is a neglected ministry in our days, there is little care for widows. In some cases, they are tagged, gossiped about or blatantly given all sorts of names.

Beloved in Christ Jesus, there are some category of people who God is fully responsible for, even though He provides for all. Such people, according to scripture include the poor, the fatherless, the widow and widower.

Availing yourself to be used by God to cater for the widow is a great blessing. This is why Paul, by the Spirit, reminding us not to neglect the special ministry to widows but to ensure that they are properly cared for.

Do you know of any widow in your community, local assembly or even in your family? Do you see that they need help – emotionally, spiritually or economically? Can you be of help? Will you pray for them? Will you take practical steps to support them in their needs?

Shouldn’t God enlarge His channels of supply to you rise up to the call to cater for widows? As you minister to widows from today, God’s supply to your storehouse will abound more and more. God bless you for taking note and for extending kindness to the widow near you. Amen

FURTHER READING – 1 Timothy 5:3-16

 

QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. How have you resolved to be a blessing to widows?

 

CONFESSION

Heavenly Father, grant me grace and compassion not to neglect to attend to widows but to provide prayer support, encouragement and to extend material kindness to them in Jesus name, Amen.

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

Number 1; Psalms 143; Psalms 144; Luke 11