QT 5/3/2024 1 Tim 5:3-8, Avoiding bitterness when old

1 Timothy 5:3–8 (ESV) — 3 Honor widows who are truly widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. 5 She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, 6 but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. 7 Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. 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.

 

NOTE: There are three types of widows addressed in the passage. 1) It is clear that those widows with children should receive support from their children. That is the duty of their believing children. 2) A widow without children should be supported by the church. 3) And finally, a widow without children and who is  self-indulgent, the church has no responsibility to care for them.

 

Some people have widowed Moms who are old, but who live such bitter, gossipy lives, that it is very difficult to give them support. Nowadays, the government does provide a basic income, but even just the believer's responsibility to call and communicate is very painful. It is hard to know what to do, although it would seem from the passage, to the degree it is possible, we do need to continue the communication, and if nearby, the visitation.

 

How do we avoid becoming that kind of person, bitter and always creating drama? We need to be content in Jesus while we are young. We need to let go of the "what if's" and the "if only's" and thank God for everything in life. If we don't live a life of gratitude, we will end up being those people who drive us crazy in their old life.

 

PONDER:

1. Are there hurts that I have not let go?
2. Am I a complainer, never satisfied with who I am or where I am in life?
3. Do I regularly thank God in everything? Or only when I get what I want?

 

PRAYER: Father, it is not too late to avoid being a bitter old man or bitter old woman. Help us to be grateful for everything that has happened in life. Help us to rejoice always as both Paul and James reminded their readers. Keep us from Satan's tool of bitterness.