Valuing Widows

[Christ4Ever]

While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. "I tell you the truth," Jesus said, "this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. Luke 21:1-3 NLT

How often do widows come up in the Bible? Surprisingly, a lot! The most famous widow’s story is found at the beginning of Luke 21. At first, what Jesus appears to do (and not do) causes many readers to wince. Even worse? Religious leaders may have cheated this particular widow out of her rightful property.

In biblical times, loving your neighbor meant giving to the poor on a regular basis—especially widows. What readers sometimes miss in the Gospels: Jesus and His disciples gave alms to the poor regularly and routinely. It’s what all godly, good-hearted Jewish people did.

Sadly, however, the poor widow in Luke 21 had been neglected by relatives and overlooked by neighbors. All she has left are two tiny copper coins.

Jesus knew this widow well. Yes, it’s true, He knows all widows. Therefore, since it was something He did often, Jesus probably motioned for one of His disciples to follow after her and quietly give her several large silver coins.

Prayer: Omnipresent Lord, You want me to give generously to poor widows. Which widow could I help financially today?

 

[GodB4Us]

Here is a guideline for churches to take care of elder widows that live godly that are members of the church that has no one.

1 Timothy 5:3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.

4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.

5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.

7 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.

8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man. 10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; 12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. 13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.

16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.