Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.
Summary: This passage touches on a topic that every Christian can relate to: how do we tell who is really in need?
This verse seems innocuous at first, but on closer examination, there is an important principle here.
First, what is Paul talking about? What kind of “recognition” do widows need?
In his book, “Acts of the Apostle,” Luke records this:
“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.” (Acts 4:32)
Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it?
At first, it probably was. People were overwhelmed with the power of the Holy Spirit and the joy of knowing the Lord. Then, the Bible records the first known division in the church:
“In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.” (Acts 6:1)
It doesn’t sound quite as friendly, does it?
The trouble was that while both Hellenistic Jews and Hebraic Jews shared the same history and lineage, the Hebraic Jews, those more closely tied to Jerusalem and their traditional languages, appear to have looked down on the Jews who lived in the Gentile nations as ‘lesser’ Jews.
The solution to this first fracture was to divide the leadership of the church between the “ministry of the word of God” (Acts 6:2a, 4) and the ministry of material gifts (Acts 6:2b). Once this had been decided, questions started arising about how the gifts should be distributed.
Paul’s instructions in the verses that follow explain how to decide between who is truly needy and who is not, which raises the question, “What is the difference between a ‘want’ and a ‘need’?”
Everyone needs to eat, but having food to eat requires work. If we all did what we wanted, it would be hard to imagine everyone being able to eat.
The next best thing for someone who doesn’t want to work is to get someone else to share the fruits of their labor with them. Even better, get a whole group of people to share their food!
The temptation to take advantage of well-meaning believers is very real, and sincere believers are often confronted with the same challenges Timothy had to deal with: Who is really in need?
Application: Give to those in need (Luke 12:33).
Food for Thought: How do you decide who is really in need?
How do you decide who is really in need?
I think that is a really good question that a lot of people struggle with (me included). I think to truly understand the needs of another, it requires some level of a relationship. A single conversation, multiple conversations, or being “in their life” and observing the struggles and hardships. So I think first we give our time and attention, and then we can give our resources, skills, and voice. So then we are not making a judgement of worthiness on the other person, but understanding the need and how we can help them through a season or build them up.
James 1:27
27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
“to visit orphans and widows in their affliction” speaks to more than a half-hearted effort to appease a request for help. It speaks to taking the time to understand the need.
2 Corinthians 9:7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
When we take moment or more time to ask about the person, speak to them with respect and dignity, find out what the need is, or observe them over time and recognize the need, the giving is then brought about from recognizing the abundance God has given us and sharing that abundance with joy.
Thank you, Chris.
Your point about having a relationship with the person in need is important. Reading your words, my mind goes to the parable of the Good Samaritan. When he stopped to help the Jewish man who had been beaten and left for dead, he didn’t have a pre-existing relationship, because as a Samaritan, he was considered an outcast by Jews. Yet, he had compassion, and in that compassion he must have felt a kinship with the man based on their common humanity.
Thanks for the devotion and good response CH.
To be honest, this is one of the hardest things to determine. When is it a true need? When is it a “scam”? When is it just someone taking advantage? Sometimes it is a combination of factors.
In the Acts 6 account, they had godly men full of the Spirit oversee the process. That tells us something about those who are making decisions for the church. What kind of people should oversee the process.
Later in this 1 Timothy passage, we see why younger woman should perhaps not be on the list for distribution. If someone can make it on their own we do not do them a favor by providing handouts. They can become dependent upon people instead of God and using the gifts and talents He gave to them. This tells us something about people we should help. Do they have the capacity to make it another way? If so, encourage them on that path.
But this will always be one of the toughest questions for churches to answer. It definitely takes prayer, wisdom, discernment and guidance from the Holy Spirit.
Thank you, Rich.
I think one reason this is a tough question for churches is that churches are tasked with being a steward for other people’s gifts. That is an extra layer of responsibility that adds to the complexity of this issue.
How do you decide who is really in need?
God knows the needs of all, and will lead His people as He provides the needed sight and resources to help others according to His will. Our calling is to be sensitive to His will as He directs our paths.
John 15:5, I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
James 2:15-16, If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?
Hebrews 13:16, Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Prayer before acting is the best solution I can come up with.
Thank you, Ron!
Amen to that! 🙂