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
“Oxytocin is a hormone and neuropeptide (a peptide hormone found in the brain) that is involved in a host of physiological functions, including childbirth and lactation… Oxytocin levels may also influence charitable donations. In one study, a dose of oxytocin did not increase the percentage of people who chose to donate to charity part of their earnings from a lab experiment, but it did increase the amount of money given by those who did decide to donate. Another study found that participants who were given extra oxytocin before watching a series of public service announcements (PSAs), donated more money overall, donated to more causes, and reported more concern for the people in the PSAs.”
Summer Allen in “The Science of Generosity” White Paper produced by the Greater Good Science Center.
In today’s Scripture, the Apostle Paul describes “real widows” as faithful women who did things like raise children and exhibit a lifestyle of good deeds.
Perhaps you are thinking of your grandmother or mother right now? I know I am, though my father is still living, so my mom is not a widow. But what’s the point today?
Yesterday we looked at research about males. Today females get the spotlight.
The research shows that God made women’s bodies to produce a hormone that fuels their generous giving and service. The more it produces, the more they give. Think about how awesome that is. It reveals how truly wonderfully God made women. When they do the things God made their bodies to do, such as give birth and lactate, these acts do not leave them empty, but rather, the acts enrich them for more generosity.
And, as raising children is no easy task, this teaches us that God generously wired women for this work and when they do it, He continuously fuels them with this hormone. Men play a role too. For sure, but let’s celebrate this scientific finding linked to women and generosity.
God, thanks for our grandmothers and mothers and for enriching their bodies for generous service as they do what you made them to do: give us tender-loving care. Amen.