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Daily Bible Studywith SEEDS OF THE KINGDOM

Updated: Wednesday, 3 December 2008, 8:36 (GMT)

20 September 2008 | 1 Timothy 5:1-10

Do not speak angrily to an older man, but plead with him as if he were your father. Treat younger men like brothers, older women like mothers, and younger women like sisters. Always treat them in a pure way.

Take care of widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to do their duty to their own family and to repay their parents or grandparents. That pleases God. The true widow, who is all alone, puts her hope in God and continues to pray night and day for God's help. But the widow who uses her life to please herself is really dead while she is alive. Tell the believers to do these things so that no one can criticize them. Whoever does not care for his own relatives, especially his own family members, has turned against the faith and is worse than someone who does not believe in God.

To be on the list of widows, a woman must be at least sixty years old. She must have been faithful to her husband. She her good works-works such as raising her children, welcoming strangers, washing the feet of God's people, helping those in trouble, and giving her life to do all kinds of good deeds.

Notes

There are two aspects to this passage, both focusing on the importance of family relationships.

One aspect is honouring and caring for the members of our own families. Almost all of us has a family member that in some way we could support. It may be hard for some to make that first move towards a supportive relationship to others in a family group, but Paul stresses the need to meet our responsibilities to those in our own circle. How could you reach out to support someone in your family today?

Secondly, Paul reminds us of the church's role as a family. All Christians have a duty to look after others within the church family, whatever their situation may be. Think of those within your church community who may need support, be it physical or spiritual. How could you help to meet their needs?

Prayer

Loving God, you created people to live in relationships with one another. Help me today to take the initiative in meeting the needs of those in my family/church circle. Help me to be selfless in my service of them and seek to encourage them in their walk with you.

Today's Writer

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