SUMMARY: Triage
OVERVIEW: Widows are to be cared for by their children or family members. If no one is available to help, the church should care for them.
BIG IDEA: Treat others with respect: older people as parents and younger as siblings.
KEY VERSE: 1 Timothy 5:8 (Paul to Timothy)
But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
It brings me much joy and pleasure when I see my children loving and serving one another, caring for and providing for one another’s needs. When you love other believers, you love me. Show respect to those older than you. They may not think the way you do or value what you do or use their time the way you think they should. It doesn’t matter. Show them honor and respect. Treat them in the same manner as you would a loving parent.
Treat those younger than you as you would a sibling — with love, care, and protection. Those who are younger look to you for guidance. They need your love, discipline, and friendship. Come alongside them and coach and encourage them to follow me and to pursue purity. Teach them to provide for their family members when they need help. Show them how the church is to take care of widows who are alone, with no family to support them.
NEXT STEP
Pay attention to how you treat others today. Use Paul’s teaching as your guide and treat those older with respect as you would a parent and younger with love as you would (or should) a sibling. Ask God for strength when necessary.
MUSIC VIDEO