Be Careful How You Provide For Your Family

"Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 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. 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. But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. Give the people these instructions, too, so that no one may be open to blame. If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." 1 Timothy 5:3-8 (NIV)

In providing instruction to Timothy regarding how to treat the less fortunate within his congregation, especially the widows, the Apostle Paul tells him that the Church should provide for those widows and orphans who do not have a family to support them. Those with family members should provide for them. Even pagan non-believers provide for their family.

As Christians we are to provide for our family members, especially our spouse, our children, our parents, and our siblings. This can also be extended to include grand children and grand parents, if the need exists. We are to exhibit compassionate Christian love, and this starts with our family. In the King James Version verse three states "Honor widows that are widows indeed." Exodus 20:15 "Honor thy father and thy mother..." Honor here implies "to show respect or care"; "to support"; "to treat graciously"; it includes meeting all needs including financial needs. Be careful how you treat your parents, your kids are learning how to care for you as they watch you care for your parents. And more importantly, God is watching.

Examples Of Good Christian Behavior

"And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." "Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 & 21-22 (NIV)

This is how we ought to treat and help each other, and how we ought to behave. This is a brief summary of good Christian behavior. We should have, and display, a positive attitude of gratitude, frequently praying and giving God thanks. Whatever we are going through is part of God's permissive will for us.

"Test everything." This is a call to carefully, and prayerfully, examine what we hear and read, and to make sure that it is "biblically correct". Hold on to and keep that which is consistent with The Word of God and reject that which is "unbiblical". Avoid all evil, including that which appears evil. "Abstain from all appearance of evil." 5:22 (KJV)

Our true character is revealed not only by what we do when others are watching, but also by what we do and think when we are alone. God sees all.

Help The Weak And The Less Enlightened

"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbor for his good, to build him up." Romans 15:1-2 (NIV)

The spiritually strong and enlightened among us are to tolerate and help the weaker and less enlightened until they too become strong in the faith.

We are to help our weaker brothers bear their burdens by showing loving support and practical consideration for them. We are to build them up, encourage, correct, inform, and strengthen them whenever possible.

The Christian life is centered on helping and strengthening others. We are not just to live selfishly and satisfy our own desires. Share with others what you have and what you know.