" OUR WIDOWS "

Come on in it's wonderful that you took the time to stop by today. This weeks message is regarding the care of our Widows. They are blessed and should be honored by us all. We are to look after them and that's the way the Father wants it.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a " WIDOW " as: A woman who has lost her husband by death and has not married again.

Paul stressed the importance of families caring for the needs of widows and not leaving this responsibility for the church so that the church can care for those widows who have NO FAMILIES. We as the Body of Christ should support those who have NO FAMILY and should likewise help the elderly, young, disabled, ill, or poverty stricken with their emotional and spiritual needs.

Now, children and grandchildren are to take care of the widows in their families; and it's written that the church is not to support lazy members who refuse to work. The church is you and me, and when necessary as believers we are to pool our resources; to give generously to help disaster-ridden churches and above all we should take care of our widows. The church has always had limited resources, and it has always had to balance financial responsibility with generosity. It only makes sense for members to work as hard as they can and to be as independent as possible, so they can adequately care for themselves and for less fortunate members. When church members are both responsible and generous, everyone's needs will be met.

God insisted that the poor and powerless be well treated and given the chance to restore their fortunes. WE SHOULD REFLECT GOD'S CONCERN FOR THE POOR BY HELPING THOSE LESS FORTUNATE THAN OURSELVES. Widows and orphans were among the most vulnerable of all God's people, and both Old Testament Prophets and New Testament Apostles insisted that these needy people be properly cared for.

LAST POINT: I love the illustration of the "Poor Widow" who lacked worldly goods, and who was for the most part enniless. This widow gave all that she had to the church, do you ever give and have you ever given your all? Jesus shares an account of a poor widow. First I'm reminded that Jesus is observing us in all that we do. He watched this woman from across the room as she gave more than all the others put together. Though her gift was by far the smallest, the value of a gift is not determined by its amount, but by the spirit in which it is given. A gift given grudgingly or for recognition loses its value.

When you give, remember that gifts of any size are pleasing to God when they are given out of gratitude and a spirit of generosity. Are you feeling me,it's time to take care of our widows.

Until Next Time...

Jim