Care for Others
1 Timothy 5:1-10, 16-18
“People don’t care what you know until they know that you care!” is a very familiar and true saying. One man who lived in a large city walked passed a number of churches before arriving at the one he eventually joined. When asked why he would travel so far and pass other more convenient congregations for this one, he replied: “Because they know how to love a fellow there!” Jesus taught that true believers are marked by such loving care (John 13:35).
Paul’s instruction to Timothy turns now to address this important aspect of church ministry. At least four actions are called for in this focal passage.
Respect all age groups (1 Timothy 5:1-2). Throughout the Bible, various metaphors are used to describe the church. In these verses, Timothy is instructed to teach his congregation to relate to others in the church as family. He is to show this personally by example. Genuine care within a congregation begins with leadership showing proper respect for all the members.
Act responsibly (1 Timothy 5:3-8). Widows generally were a vulnerable group in the first century. The church then, as well as today, has a responsibility to care for those who have no family and no means of support. Paul addresses the qualifications for those who are “really widows.” His main point in these verses is to show that individual Christians have the primary responsibility to provide for their own needy family members if they are able, rather than to seek the congregation’s assistance. In doing so, family members will enable the church to more effectively minister to those widows who have no means of support.
Help needy church members (1 Timothy 5:9-10, 16). The apostle now gives very specific directions as to who may “be taken into the number.” This “number” refers to those widows who meet these qualifications. My testimony as a pastor is like that of Warren Wiersbe who writes: “It has been my experience- that godly widows are ‘spiritual powerhouses’ in the church. They are the backbone of the prayer meetings, they give themselves to visitation, and they swell the ranks of teachers in the Sunday School.” Truly we must care for these folk who walk faithfully with God and who show care for others.
Support church ministers (1 Timothy 3:17-18). Faithful pastors and other church leaders are to be honored with respect and financial support. As this happens, it indicates a willingness on the part of the members to follow the guidance of their leadership. How do you treat your church leaders? Unfortunately, some often take church leaders for granted by not providing adequately for their needs or by subjecting them to heavy criticism. Think of ways you can “honor” your preachers and teachers in light of these verses.
Clark– Lessons in the ETB series for the spring quarter are being written by Tim Clark, pastor of Holly Springs Baptist Church, Inman.