“A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man” (1 Timothy 5:9)
We live under grace. What is important is to have firm boundaries in place. There are principles that must govern every time and place. It is not to be so hard-pressed that you absolutely will not help someone who does not fulfill every nuance of what is said, but that you also do not stop doing what you are able to do. The church should help those who need to be helped and not help those who can either help themselves or should be helped by their family.
Lord, our contemporary culture gives handouts to everyone and the church is expected to tell everyone that everything is good and right. We are called evil if we draw a line. Help me through all this nonsense to live prudently and by the lines You have drawn. Guide me to see that only in You is there wholeness. Help me to also be chaste and moral so that I may do what is pleasing to You.
Lord Jesus, there is nothing new here that You have not seen before in this world. You know this sinful world and You have experienced the incessant cacophony of wickedness that calls us in many directions. Lord, teach me to do what is right and to help those whom You would have me help. Guide me into all goodness and lead me according to the way You have established for all. Amen.
