October 8 - Honor Hospitable Widows

Honor widows who are widows indeed…having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work. 1 Timothy 5:3-10

Widows over sixty years of age are the ladies who Paul was talking about in this scripture passage. They are ladies who are to be honored and cared for by the church…because they have a good reputation and have cared for others, including showing hospitality to others—and not just to those she knows, but to those who are perfect strangers, too. It is easy to be hospitable—generous with our time, money and food—to those we know and love…but it is harder to do so with someone we don’t know and possibly may not trust. These widows are treating strangers as they would treat Jesus Himself—showing hospitality—providing a warm welcome, food, friendship or shelter.

 

Training Tip – If your children or grandchildren do not already know a widow (or widower) in your church, introduce them to one of these grand older ladies (or gentlemen). If possible, “adopt” her into your family. It is best if these relationships can develop in a natural way. You could begin with just having one of these precious widows over for lunch after church and you all get to know each other personally. Soon there will be a bond of love between her and you all. Find out when her birthday is and when that day comes—help her celebrate in a special gracious way. Some people don’t like too much fanfare and others like a big hoopla—so try to discover her favorite way to celebrate in advance of her special day. If she has family locally, then let them celebrate her day…and then create a special time with her another day. Find other ways to honor her…and share prayer requests with her so that she can pray for your family members, too. It is likely that she is a great prayer warrior—so what an honor to have her praying for your family. Be sure to ask her about specific prayer requests and then pray for those with your family. 

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve others in our church and community. Help us to see ways that we can be hospitable to these dear ladies or gentlemen. 

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.