Daily Devotion: How the Church Should Treat Widows, The Elderly And The Poor by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Matthew 25:34-41 KJV

Key Verse:  "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
- Matthew 25:40 KJV

As we reflect on the importance of caring for widows, the elderly, and the poor, we are reminded of the weighty responsibility that rests on the shoulders of spiritual leaders. Pastors, in particular, are called to shepherd their flocks with compassion and integrity. Unfortunately, history has shown that some have failed to uphold this standard, exploiting the very ones they were entrusted to serve.

In Exodus 22:22 we read, "Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child." Here God commands us to not take advantage of a widow or an orphan. This verse serves as a stark reminder that our actions have consequences, and we will be held accountable for how we treat the most vulnerable among us.

In 1 Timothy 5:3-16, Paul provides guidance on caring for widows, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between those who are truly in need and those who are not. He warns against supporting younger widows who are not devoted to serving Christ, lest they become idle and focus on their own desires rather than their faith.

Widows Are To Be Relieved

Widows are to be relieved and cared for by believers (1 Timothy 5:16). This is not a burden to be shouldered by the church alone, but rather a shared responsibility among believers who have widows in their families (1 Timothy 5:16). We are to prioritize their needs and provide for them, just as God provides for us.

Elderly Are To Be Honored

The elderly are to be honored and respected. In fact, Scripture commands us to “rise up” and show reverence to those who are older (Leviticus 19:32). This is not just a matter of courtesy, but a reflection of our understanding that age brings wisdom and experience. We are to learn from their stories and seek their counsel.

Poor Are To Be Treated With Dignity

The poor are to be treated with dignity and compassion. Jesus Himself identified with the poor and marginalized, and we are called to follow His example (Matthew 25:31-46). We are to “relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow” (Isaiah 1:17), and to “visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction” (James 1:27).

The Dangers of Exploitation

When pastors take advantage of widows, the elderly, and the poor, they not only betray the trust of their congregation but also undermine the very fabric of their ministry. Such behavior is a gross violation of the principles outlined in Scripture, including Jesus’ teachings on loving one’s neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31).

Just as we would never want to be manipulated, and/or lied to for someone else's personal gain, or a religious institution's gain, it is wrong to exploit the weakest members of society. As many TV evangelists have learned, it is easy to get widows and the elderly to empty their bank accounts in the name of serving God.

A Call to Integrity

As we strive to honor God and serve our communities, let us heed the warning against exploiting the vulnerable. May our actions be guided by compassion, wisdom, and a deep respect for the sacred trust placed in our spiritual leaders.

Conclusion

Widows, the elderly, and the poor often face similar challenges and vulnerabilities. They may struggle with isolation, poverty, and lack of access to resources. Therefore, our response must be holistic and multifaceted, addressing their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Let us, as the church, prioritize the care and compassion of these vulnerable members of our community. Let us rise up and show reverence to the elderly, provide for the widows, and advocate for the poor. As we do so, we will be reflecting the character of our heavenly Father, who cares for the widow and the orphan (Psalm 68:5). May our compassion and care be a beacon of hope and light in a world that often forgets the vulnerable.

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