A True Widow

Eight years ago, my husband passed away. In searching the Scriptures for comfort I came across I Timothy 5. This was a portion of the Bible that took on a new meaning for me. It focused on being a true widow. What in the world was that? Either you were a widow or you weren’t…right?

Examining the Scripture more closely, you’ll see that there is a big difference. For instance, verses 3-4 explain that a woman who has lost her husband but still has her children is not a true widow. It says, “But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. 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.”

Verse 8 explains that ^“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

The Scripture then tells us what a true widow is. ^“The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.” This widow is entirely alone with no children or family and absolutely no one to care for her.

Do you have a widow in your congregation or neighborhood, or a friend who is all alone with no one to care for her? Have you made an attempt to do what God commands in this verse in I Timothy 5:16? “If anyone who is a believer has widows in their care, they should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.”

I find great comfort as a widow knowing my children are still alive and able to help me. I can only imagine what it must be like for someone entirely alone in this world, without any family. Take a look around you and keep your heart open to helping a true widow today.