No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds. 1 Timothy 5:9-10
“Do some merit support more than others? If so, support for them must come first and not be lacking. The author [of 1 Timothy] insists that consideration be given to those who have spent themselves and their resources on the life of the community of faith. That they have the first claim to the generosity of that community in their time of need is basic to the
code of reciprocity.”
David DeSilva in An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods, and Ministry Formation (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2004) 1806.
This text rings especially relevant to me as I serve in India. This country has 1.5 billion people so imagine the number of widows here. Churches and ministries that support them do well to follow the biblical instructions here.
Take care of the people who have cared for the community. Reflect this witness to the watching world to inspire others to join this community of love and generosity. But sadly, the developed world has taken a different path.
In my country, USA, the prevailing narrative mirrors the Rich Fool in Luke’s Gospel. Most people choose a path that says to store up treasures for yourself because you have to look after yourself when you are older.
And ironically, though I am not there to celebrate, today marks Independence Day in my country. See how deep the cultural value runs. I wish it was called Interdependence Day, to teach us to rely on God and each other in community.
Imagine the witness Western churches could have. If instead of hoarding money we used it to help the widows among us. As I serve workers who serve widows it makes me sad that churches in my country don’t do this.
God, help our actions reflect biblical patterns rather than cultural norms. Forgive our greed and selfishness. Teach us to care for one another and give priority to those who merit it within the community with our generosity. Amen.