Free Bible Commentary
“1 Timothy 5:1-8”
Categories: 1 Timothy“Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity. Honor widows who are widows indeed; but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God. Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day. But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives. Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach. But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
---End of Scripture verses---
Paul says we are to appeal to each other as fathers, brothers, sisters and mothers (verses 1-2). We are all a family in Christ and we should treat each other kindly and talk to each other respectfully. It is ironic that the people we love the most and spend the most time with are often the ones that we treat the most harshly and speak to the most “sharply”. It is just easy to get irritated with fallible human beings who all have their own personalities, quirks, habits and weaknesses, and who see things from different points of view. We must try and remember that as children of the Lord we have the most important things in common, and we are all striving toward the common goals of godliness on earth and eternity in heaven.
We have double responsibilities when our brothers and sisters in Christ are also our relatives by blood. God expects us to help tend to the material and financial needs of our parents and grandparents when they are unable to fully support themselves (verse 4). Those of God’s people who are “widows indeed”, and have no physical family to lean on during the tough times and the lean years, should be able to depend on their spiritual family to fill the void. But if we refuse to provide for the needs of our relatives, and especially for those of our own household, we have “denied the faith,” and are worse than unbelievers (verse 8). Very stern words and harsh warning. God takes the financial responsibilities we have toward our families very seriously. This is a critical part of being a faithful Christian.
Please read 1 Timothy 5:9-16 for tomorrow.
Have a great day!
- Louie Taylor
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