September 29
Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 5
1 Timothy 5:8, “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
This passage (1 Timothy 5:3-16) represents the Bible’s most extensive treatment on the subject of caring for widows. God, who “executes justice for the fatherless and the widow,” cares about how we care for them (Deuteronomy 10:18). Jesus Himself saw to His widowed mother’s future needs (John 19:26-27). That He fulfilled His responsibility while dying for the sins of all mankind speaks to the priority God places on such matters. The early church cared for its widows. When a conflict arose over partiality shown in the distribution of food to widows, the apostles immediately intervened. They appointed well-qualified men to oversee the matter so that every widow would be provided for and treated fairly (Acts 6:1-6).
The church needs to honor its widows. A widow typically receives much attention and help immediately following the death of their loved one. But what about the proceeding weeks and months? This passage speaks to the need for the church to honor certain widows—those who are said to be “truly widows” (1 Timothy 5:1, 5, 16)—by providing ongoing practical support for them. There were differences in that day as opposed to ours. There were no such things as Social Security or other government programs, or social agencies tasked with caring for folks in need. The church was tasked with the responsibility of caring for its members, and especially for those who had no visible means of support—like widows and orphans (James 1:27).
In this context, 1 Timothy 5:8 speaks to the need for family members to take care of their own, and explains that if they do not provide, they are “worse than an unbeliever.” The principles underlying this text relate to the matter of caregiving, something that has much relevance to my current situation. Having been a caregiver for my wife Laura for six plus years, I’ve grown to appreciate some of the challenges associated with serving in this role. As a hospice chaplain, I’ve interacted with many caregivers, as they’ve provided comfort and help to their dying loved one.
I recently posted on a caregiving Facebook group I belong to, saying, “The caregiving role isn’t easy. And sometimes it can seem as if no one knows or understands what we are going through. But whether recognized or understood by others or not, it is a virtuous thing to care. One might say there’s nothing more virtuous.” That’s true because caregiving lies close to the heart of God. God is the ultimate caregiver. Not only has he given life to us, He ongoingly provides for our needs, even for the unjust (Matthew 5:45). The extent of His compassionate concern was evidenced in His willingness to sacrifice His own Son that we might be saved from our sins (John 3:16; 1 John 3:16).
That there should be marriages and families is God’s idea. And He has designed us to care for our fellow family members. Even unbelievers do that. How much more should those who have indwelt by the Spirit and taught by God to love (1 Thessalonians 4:9)? According to the Census bureau, the U.S. population age 65 and over grew from 2010 to 2020 at fastest rate since 1880 to 1890 and reached 55.8 million, a 38.6% increase in just 10 years. That means there are a lot more seniors amongst us, and a corresponding need for more caregiving.
First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s famous quote reminds us, “There are only four kinds of people in the world — those that have been caregivers, those that are caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.”
Rosalyn Carter
Over these past several years, I’ve witnessed some amazing examples in caring. Like the daughter who took a leave of absence from her job and pulled her trailer across the country to care for months for her dying father. Or, the daughter who moved in with her mother and dutifully cared for her mom for twenty months until she died. Or, the family that rallied all the siblings of a dying man to provide in home assistance for a soon-to-be-widow. Or, a friend of mine who regularly visits a 93-year-old man who is in long-term care. I asked her why—is he related somehow, or did you know him from church? She said no; he was just someone in the community that she had gotten to know and she felt the need to care. We’ll all likely be in the place of caregiving at some point. It’s good for us to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, who was, and is, the best caregiver of them all.
Perhaps there is someone in your life (in your family or church or even in the community) who could use a call or visit or weekly assistance? It’s a virtuous thing to care!
Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
Refrain:
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing.
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today.
LookingtoJesus 