“Honor widows who are widows indeed; but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God” (1 Timothy 5:3-4).
Listen carefully to this. Should we care for one another? Yes we should, but not when there are those in the family who can and should be doing so. Now look at our culture and what do you see? It calls for others to do what this passage says the family should do. Some do, to be sure, but by and large, we are not to rely on the great “we” but take responsibility for our own when it is needed.
Lord, You know where this does or does not apply to me. Guide me Lord to be responsible where You would have me be responsible, but also to ignore those who would say I need to be responsible when I am not. Neither guilt nor false obligation should drive my heart, but trust in You, and what You ask me alone to do should be the motivation for what I do. Guide me in this way, Lord.
Lord Jesus, You did not heal everyone, nor do what so many expected. You did what the Father told You to do. In that example, teach me what I should do and then help me to do it. Guide me, O Lord, in the way of true life. By Your example, help me to be bold, but humble, compassionate, but just, caring, and considerate of all needs. You are growing Your image in all who believe. Help me to grow to become like You. Amen.
