“Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day” (1 Timothy 5:5).
Listen to what is being said. This is an example of, “If one will not work, neither shall they eat.” On the other hand, if one cannot work, the church has an obligation to help such person. This is so simple and so ignored in our culture. We hear, “Everybody deserves,” which promotes people being lazy. This is an instruction of prudence and we are all asked to find the line in our own lives between lazy and unable.
Lord, You know where I am unable and where I am being lazy. Help me to fully understand where the line is so that I may be compassionate as You would have me be, but not enable the lazy, perhaps even to their detriment. Guide me, Lord, to know the difference and what to do. I need You to do for me what You alone can do, but I know You will teach me what I should do.
Lord Jesus, You said that the way of salvation is narrow. This is a part of that narrow road. It is easy to fall off on either side. Guide me Lord to know which is what. Send Your Spirit to help me with understanding so that I may know when to ask for healing and when to rebuke. Teach me to be like You in all things in order that I may grow into the child of the Father You are making me to be. Help me continue with Your grace, which I always need. Amen.
