Scripture to Read: 1 Timothy 5:7-8
In 1 Timothy 5:7-8, God continues to instruct Timothy, through Paul, to make sure Timothy continually reminds the believers in the church at Ephesus to walk in the commands of taking care of their widows. The instruction God gave through Paul is also for every believer today. We must be ever mindful that God has called us to take care of the widows in our church. If we have a widow within our family, God wants us to know that we are responsible for taking care of them ourselves. These are not mere suggestions from God, but these are direct commands from God. We must never take lightly what God has commanded us to do, especially when it comes to taking care of our widows and those within our family. God says it this way in 1 Timothy 5:8 in the Amplified Version, “If anyone fails to provide for his own, and especially for those of his own family, he has denied the faith [by disregarding its precepts] and is worse than an unbeliever [who fulfills his obligation in these matters].” God says we’re living and acting worse than a lost person when we do not care for our own family and especially our widows within our family. God has called us to set the example for this lost world and when it comes to our family, we need to love well, serve well, provide well, and protect well so that a lost world takes notice and sees the difference Christ makes in our lives.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about how we are to take care of our family members and especially our widows?
2. How are you helping set the example for the lost people around you in the way you are loving and serving your family?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!