Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore
years old, having been the wife of one man, 10 Well reported of for good
works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she
have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have
diligently followed every good work.
A widow is not to be cared for by the Church if she is under 60 years
old. But not only that, the requirements of being cared for by the Church are
quite specific: she must have been the wife of one man, known for her good
works such as bringing up her children, lodging strangers, washing the saints feet
(serving), if she has relieved the afflicted and diligently strived to follow
after every good work. What these specifications do is ensure that the Church
will not simply create a welfare system for widows who have reached the age of
60 and are alone. No, these requirements ensure that those who have been
faithful to God and are in need will be taken care of by God through the hands
of the Church. To simply say that any widow is to be cared for by the Church is
far too broad, for there are many who, like today, would simply give the
appearance of need in order to gain the benefits doled out by the Church.
However, since the widows taken care of have no one else and are a certain age
and known for their love for others, the character of the women being assisted
is proven; it is does not have to be guessed or gambled at whether or not a
widow will simply accept help and then go around being a busybody. No, these
women will continue sharing Christ’s love as long as they can, it has been
proven and the fact that their needs are met through the Body of Christ simply
gives her more time to love others and serve Christ.
1 Tim 5:9-10 (KJV)
