The subject of widowhood is one of many topics that is highly controversial to the extent where people resort to ask; what does the Bible says about widows?.
The issue of widows and their situations are addressed throughout the Bible. Knowing what the teaches about widows can give insight that can be relevant and applicable in today’s society.
We will bring up people’s opinions and Gods perspective on widows in several Bible portions.
What Does The Bible Says About Widows
The Bible contains several passages that address the topic of widows and provide guidance and instructions on how they should be treated.
Here are some key teachings:
Widows Deserve Care
The Bible talks about the importance of caring for widows and treating them with compassion. In the Old Testament, God commands the Israelites to care for widows and orphans (Exodus 22:22-24, Deuteronomy 10:18).
David the great King and Psalmist stressed the support that widows have in Psalm 68:5 (ESV). In the New Testament, the Apostle James defines true religion as visiting and helping widows in their distress (James 1:27).
However, it should be noted that not all widows in biblical accounts experienced favorable treatment. The Bible also records instances where widows faced challenges, poverty, and exploitation.
The overall message is that widows should be treated with compassion, justice, and support, reflecting God’s care for the vulnerable and marginalized.
Christians are encouraged to show compassion and care towards widows, recognizing their vulnerability and the challenges they may face. This includes providing emotional support, practical assistance, and meeting their physical needs.
Provide for Widows
The Bible acknowledges the vulnerability of widows and encourages the community to provide for their needs. In the Old Testament, God instructs the Israelites to leave parts of their harvest for the widows, along with the fatherless and foreigners. (Deuteronomy 24:19-21).
They were instructed not to mistreat or oppress widows and were commanded to leave portions of their harvest for them (Exodus 22:22-24, Deuteronomy 10:18). These instructions were aimed at ensure that widows had access to necessities.
Psalm 146:9 (ESV) states that God is the sovereign protector of the widows and he will bring to naught the plans of the wicked.
Isaiah 54:4-5 (ESV) enjoins the caring for widows and the vulnerable, whether through familial responsibility, support from the community, or the provision and protection offered by God.
Widows, along with orphans and the fatherless, are seen as groups deserving of special attention and care in biblical teachings.
Christians are encouraged to engage in voluntary giving to support widows and those in need.
This can be done through tithes, offerings, and charitable acts, motivated by a desire to follow Christ’s example of sacrificial love and care.
If a widow is in financial need, the church community can step in to provide financial assistance or help her find sustainable means of support.
Widows are Carriers of Faith
The Bible presents widows as people great of faith and devotion to God. For instance, the story of the widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17:7-24 shows a widows trust in God’s provision.
Jesus also praised the poor widow who gave her last coins in the Temple as an example of sacrificial giving (Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4).
Widowhood is an Opportunity for Service
The Bible recognizes that widowhood can provide an opportunity for widows to devote themselves to serving God. The Apostle Paul advises younger widows to remarry or engage in ministry rather than becoming dependent on the church for support (1 Timothy 5:11-16).
Widows are Responsibility of Family, Community and Church
The New Testament outlines specific instructions for the support of widows within the Christian community.
In 1 Timothy 5:3-16, Paul provides guidelines for the care of widows, including the responsibility of families to care for their own, the criteria for being enrolled as a widow, and the importance of the church’s role in supporting those who are truly in need.
In the book of Ruth, after the death of their husbands, both Ruth and Naomi, who were widows, were supported by the community.
Boaz, a close relative, acted as a guardian-redeemer, marrying Ruth and providing for her and Naomi (Ruth 4:9-10).
In the early Christian community, widows were provided for through the care of the church. In Acts 6, when the Greek-speaking widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food, the apostles appointed seven individuals to ensure fair treatment for all widows.
The Bible teaches that families have a primary responsibility to care for their widows. God instructs families to care for their widows as an act of faith and repayment.
While families have a responsibility, the Christian community, particularly the local church, is also called to support widows.
This can be done through providing financial assistance, practical help, and emotional support. Churches may establish specific programs or ministries to care for widows and ensure they are not neglected.
Christians are encouraged to personally engage with widows and actively contribute to their well-being.
This can involve visiting them, providing companionship, offering assistance with daily tasks, and meeting their practical needs.
Provide For Their Emotional Needs
The Bible emphasizes the importance of caring for widows who are truly in need. In 1 Timothy 5:3-4, Paul instructs the church to support widows who are alone and have no other means of support.
Widows often face emotional challenges due to the loss of their spouse. Christians are encouraged to offer comfort, companionship, and emotional support to widows, as seen in James 1:27, which mentions true religion involves caring for orphans and widows in their distress.
Modern Christians should continue to offer emotional care and companionship to widows.
This can involve reaching out to widows within the church community, inviting them to events, and providing a caring environment where they feel supported and loved.
Remarriage
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, 1 Timothy 5:14 (ESV) encourages younger widows to marry and build new families.
While remarriage after widowhood is seen as acceptable and even encouraged in the Bible, it is important to take such decisions after praying and seeking God’s guidance to find the right partner.
The choice to remarry is a personal one and not forced. You just need to be guided in faith, trust in God’s wisdom, and the desire to continue fulfilling God’s purpose for one’s life.
Prophetic Concern
The prophets in the Old Testament often spoke out against the mistreatment of widows and called for justice and compassion toward them.
For example, the prophet Isaiah rebuked the people of Israel for neglecting widows and orphans and urged them to seek justice and care for the vulnerable (Isaiah 1:17).
Jesus’ Teachings and Actions
Jesus showed compassion towards widows during His ministry. In the New Testament, Jesus raised a widow’s son from the dead in the town of Nain, showing both His power and care for her (Luke 7:11-15).
Jesus also highlighted the sacrificial giving of a poor widow who gave all she had, contrasting her with the wealthy who gave out of their abundance (Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4).
Do not Exploit Widows
Jesus strongly rebukes religious leaders who exploit widows for their gain in Mark 12:38-40. Christians should avoid taking advantage of vulnerable widows or engaging in any form of abuse or manipulation.
Christians should be vigilant against any form of exploitation or abuse, ensuring that widows are not taken advantage of financially, emotionally, or in any other way.
Neglect Of Widows
The church is reminded not to neglect widows who are in need, as mentioned in 1 Timothy 5:3. Neglecting their care would be against the teachings of the Bible.
Churches and individual Christians should be aware of widows in their midst and ensure that their needs are not overlooked or neglected.
This may involve setting up support systems, connecting them with relevant resources, and regularly checking in on their well-being.
Paul Teachings About Widows
The Apostle Paul addresses the topic of widows in his writings, particularly in 1 Timothy 5:3-16.
In this passage, Paul provides instructions to Timothy, a young pastor, regarding the treatment and support of widows within the Christian community.
Here are some key points Paul makes:
1. Enrollment of Widows
Paul suggests that the church should have a system of enrolling widows who are truly in need and have no other means of support.
These widows were likely provided with practical assistance and care from the church community.
2. Family Responsibility
Paul teaches the importance of families caring for their widows. He states that if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should learn to practice their faith by taking care of their family members.
This implies that the primary responsibility for the support of widows lies with their immediate family.
3. Criteria for Enrollment
Paul provides specific criteria for enrolling widows in the official list of those supported by the church.
These criteria include being over a certain age, having a reputation for godliness, being known for good works, and having been faithful to their husband.
This suggests that the church should prioritize those widows who have demonstrated a life of faith and service.
4. Active Widows
Paul advises younger widows to remarry and establish a new family rather than depending on the church for support.
He warns that younger widows may become idle and prone to gossip if they have no responsibilities.
Instead, he encourages them to marry, bear children, and manage their households.
5. Widows’ Commitment to God
Paul encourages widows who are enrolled in the church’s support to devote themselves to prayer and service to God. He highlights their potential role in intercession and ministry within the community.
Bible Verses About Taking Care of Widows
Exodus 22:22-24
“Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless. If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless.”
Deuteronomy 10:18
“He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.”
Deuteronomy 27:19
“Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow.”
Psalm 68:5
“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.”
James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
1 Timothy 5:3-4
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.”
Conclusion
The Bible presents a clear and compassionate message about widows.
Throughout the scriptures, we find numerous instances where God’s concern for widows is evident, and His command to show kindness and justice towards them remains steadfast.
As followers of the biblical teachings, it becomes our responsibility to extend a helping hand to widows, ensuring they are not left to bear their burdens alone.
By heeding the Bible’s call for compassion and care, we can create a more inclusive and empathetic society.
