Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, widows hold a significant place, often representing the vulnerable and marginalized within society. The Scriptures consistently emphasize the importance of caring for widows, highlighting God's compassion and justice for those who have lost their husbands. Visiting widows in their affliction is not merely a suggestion but a divine mandate, reflecting the heart of God and the character of true religion.Biblical Mandate for Care The Bible explicitly instructs believers to care for widows, underscoring this responsibility as a reflection of genuine faith. James 1:27 states, "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." This verse clearly articulates that visiting and supporting widows in their affliction is an essential aspect of living out one's faith. Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament lays the groundwork for the care of widows, with numerous passages highlighting God's concern for their well-being. In Exodus 22:22-23 , God commands, "You must not mistreat any widow or orphan. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry." This passage reveals God's protective nature and His readiness to defend widows against injustice. Deuteronomy 10:18 further emphasizes God's care: "He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing." The provision of justice and sustenance for widows is a recurring theme, demonstrating that their care is integral to the community's covenantal responsibilities. New Testament Continuation The New Testament continues this theme, with the early church taking active steps to support widows. Acts 6:1-6 describes the appointment of deacons to ensure that the daily distribution of food was not neglected, particularly for widows. This passage illustrates the church's commitment to addressing the practical needs of widows, ensuring they were not overlooked. In 1 Timothy 5:3-4 , 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 apostle outlines the responsibility of families to care for their widowed relatives, while also affirming the church's role in supporting those without family. Jesus' Example Jesus Himself exemplified compassion towards widows, as seen in Luke 7:12-15 , where He raises the son of the widow of Nain. "As He approached the town gate, He saw a dead man being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said, 'Do not weep.' Then He went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. 'Young man,' He said, 'I tell you, get up!' And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him back to his mother." This miracle underscores Jesus' deep empathy and His desire to alleviate the suffering of widows. Practical Implications for Believers The biblical call to visit widows in their affliction extends beyond mere sympathy; it requires active engagement and support. Believers are encouraged to provide for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of widows, reflecting God's love and justice. This care can manifest in various forms, such as offering companionship, financial assistance, and prayer, ensuring that widows are not left isolated or destitute. In summary, the biblical mandate to visit widows in their affliction is a profound expression of God's heart for justice and mercy. It calls believers to embody the compassion of Christ, ensuring that widows receive the care and support they need within the community of faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook James 1:27Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Cholera, 1866 The Revelation Sermons of St. Bernard on the Passing of Malachy A Voice from the Hartley Colliery Note a the Following Extract of a Letter I Received from the Rev. ... The Eternity of Heaven's Happiness. Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount The Immutability of Christ Matt. xiv. 23, 24 The Way from Sin to Perfect Salvation. Resources Should a Christian go on welfare? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about feeding the hungry? | GotQuestions.org What does Jesus want us to learn from what He said about the widow's mite? | 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 |
    |