Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, widows hold a special place of concern and care within the community of believers. The Scriptures emphasize the responsibility of friends, family, and the church to provide for widows, ensuring their well-being and dignity. This care is rooted in the broader biblical mandate to love one's neighbor and to show compassion to those in need.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament lays the groundwork for the care of widows, often grouping them with orphans and foreigners as those deserving special protection and provision. In Deuteronomy 10:18, God is described as one who "executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing." This divine example sets a precedent for the community to follow. The Book of Ruth provides a narrative example of this principle. Ruth, a widow, is relieved by her mother-in-law Naomi and later by Boaz, who ensures her sustenance and protection. This account illustrates the importance of community support and the role of friends and family in providing for widows. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues this theme, with explicit instructions for the care of widows. In 1 Timothy 5:3-4, the Apostle Paul instructs, "Honor the widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to show godliness to their own household and repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God." Here, the primary responsibility falls on the family, but the church community is also called to step in when necessary. James 1:27 further underscores this duty: "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." This verse highlights the care for widows as an essential expression of genuine faith. Role of Friends and Community The biblical mandate extends beyond family to include friends and the broader community. In Acts 6:1-6, the early church appoints deacons to ensure that the daily distribution of food reaches the widows, demonstrating the communal responsibility to provide for their needs. The principle of relieving widows is not merely a matter of charity but a reflection of the character of God, who is described as a "father to the fatherless, a defender of widows" (Psalm 68:5). Friends and community members are called to embody this divine attribute, offering support and relief to widows in practical and meaningful ways. Practical Implications The biblical call to relieve widows involves both material and emotional support. Friends are encouraged to offer companionship, advocacy, and assistance in navigating life's challenges. This support can take various forms, including financial aid, help with daily tasks, and inclusion in social and spiritual activities. In summary, the biblical teaching on widows emphasizes a communal responsibility to provide relief and support. Friends, family, and the church are all called to participate in this ministry, reflecting God's compassion and justice in their care for widows. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Timothy 5:4,16But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library 1 Timothy v. 8 Titus iii. 11-Aug Book Eight Conversion to Christ. ... The Women of the Apostolic Age The First Period. Ch. 4:14-44 The Earthquake 2 Timothy iii. 7-Jan The Abrogation of the Saybrook Platform Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ... Resources What does the Bible say about remarriage after the death of your spouse? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Prochorus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Dorcas / Tabitha in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Widows were Clothed in Mourning After the Decease of Husbands Widows were Frequently Oppressed and Persecuted Widows were Released from all Obligation to Former Husbands Widows were Under the Special Protection of God Widows: A Type of Zion in Affliction Widows: Allowed to Marry Again Widows: Blessings on Those Who Relieve Widows: Curse for Perverting Judgment of Widows: Exhorted to Trust in God Widows: God: Establishes the Border of Widows: God: Surely Hears the Cry of Widows: God: Will Witness Against Oppressors of Widows: Increase of, Threatened As a Punishment Widows: Intermarrying With, of Kings Considered Treason Widows: Laws Respecting: Bound to Perform Their Vows Widows: Laws Respecting: Not to be Oppressed Widows: Laws Respecting: Not to Intermarry With Priests Widows: Laws Respecting: Raiment of, not to be Taken in Pledge by Creditors Widows: Laws Respecting: To be Allowed to Glean in Fields and Vineyards Widows: Laws Respecting: To Have a Share of the Triennial Tithe Widows: Laws Respecting: To Share in Public Rejoicings Widows: Laws Respecting: when Daughters of Priests and Childless to Partake of The Widows: Laws Respecting: when Left Childless, to be Married by Their Husband's Widows: Not to be Deplored By, Considered a Great Calamity Widows: Often Devoted Themselves Entirely to God's Service Widows: Reproach Connected With Widows: Saints: Disappoint Not Widows: should be Allowed to Share in Our Blessings Widows: should be Honored, If Widows Indeed Widows: should be Relieved by the Church Widows: should be Relieved by Their Friends Widows: should be Visited in Affliction Widows: should not Be: Afflicted Widows: should not Be: Deprived of Raiment in Pledge Widows: should not Be: Oppressed Widows: should not Be: Treated With Violence Widows: Specially Taken Care of by the Church Widows: The Wicked: do No Good To Widows: The Wicked: Make a Prey of Widows: The Wicked: Reject the Cause of Widows: The Wicked: Send, Away Empty Widows: The Wicked: Take Pledges From Widows: Though Poor, May be Liberal Widows: when Young, Exposed to May Temptations Widows: Woe to Those Who Oppress Related Terms |
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