1 Timothy 5:3-8 reads, “Honour widows that are widows indeed. But if any widow has children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.
Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
This text describes the individual obligation to provide for your own household. The text begins with the responsibility to provide for our widows; in particular, our parents. But, then, Paul ends the discussion in verse sixteen when he returns to this subject and adds, “If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.” It appears that in our age we have a majority of people who apply for anything we feel entitled to freely receive from the government. We have come to accept Social Security without scruples but there are so many programs available to people who qualify.
The command to provide for your own and to relieve them was a charge that was not to be passed on to others. It doesn’t matter whether anyone else could or will take on the responsibility. A disciple may reason that if a community of Christians provides for widows among them, he or she can consider themselves fortunate not to have that financial burden. No doubt, this need is a task that is met by Christians who are not family members but only because the family shirks their responsibility or the aged widow has no family member (“widow indeed”). No one else should have to provide care for those who are your responsibility. Many people leave them in some agency that can provide care for the aged. Others have them depend on Social Security Benefits to provide for monthly expenses. But, neither of these is adequate nor a discharge of responsibility. As far as you are concerned, you will care for them regardless of whether they have a check from the federal government to supplement their income. Money is just part of their needs. What about property care and maintenance of houses and personal property? What about the physical or mental capacities to cook a meal, do the laundry, wash, and vacuum? What about helping them balance their bank account and make their payments when due?
In case you may think that this is no big deal, just remember the assessment given by the inspired apostle, Paul. He wrote that if they do not provide for their own, they have denied the faith and are worse than infidels. So, do the right thing and consider this a personal responsibility.