How does God care for widows?

crossway.org - Why Does the Bible Say So Much about Widows? | Crossway Articles

Are twin flames better than soulmates?

Should I Be With My Twin Flame or Soulmate? One connection isn't necessarily “better” than the other, as both can lead you to grow and can have...

Last updated Jul 25, 2021

What zodiac signs should be enemies?

The Zodiac Signs That Are the Worst Enemies, Astrologer Says Taurus and Aries. A friendship between Aries and Taurus is quite challenging, but it...

Last updated Aug 24, 2022

Do you really know who the “One” is? Your true Soulmate?

Promotion

All Over Scripture

Much earlier in my ministry, I began to include widows in the public prayers of the church where I was the pastor. I spoke at a gathering of ministers on public praying and mentioned widows among those who were often neglected in the prayers and ministry of the church. Called to care for widows in my own congregation, I began to study the Scriptures.

I soon discovered that there were very few books written about caring for widows but was taken aback by how much the Bible said about them. Whether you read Moses and the prophets, the Psalms and the Proverbs of Solomon, the four Gospels, or the book of Acts and the letters to the churches in the New Testament, you will not be able to read far without the subject of widows coming up. There are about eighty direct references to widows in the Scriptures. Why?

The Defender of Widows

Fundamentally, God is the kind of God who keeps a careful eye on the widow. He is profoundly concerned for her, together with the stranger and the fatherless. He is righteous and protects them for he is “a father of the fatherless, a defender of widows . . . in his holy habitation,” (Psalm 68:5). The incarnate Son of God is like him. He cared for his widowed mother (John 19:25-17), he raised from the dead the son of the widow of Nain and returned him to his mother (Luke 7:11-17), and, in the spirit of the prophets, condemned those who took advantage of widows (Matthew 23:24).

Called to Imitate God

In line with this, God commanded that the nation of Israel care for widows, being diligent to not isolate them or take advantage of their vulnerability. Deuteronomy 16:11-14 shows how God provided for widows so that they were not excluded; instead, they enjoyed full participation in the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles. Caring for Widows Brian Croft, Austin Walker This book calls church leaders to take biblical exhortations to care for widows seriously, offering wise guidance and practical suggestions for ensuring that widows in their congregations receive the support and encouragement they need. However, when the nation of Israel turned away from serving God, they also turned away from his commandments. Who suffered when that happened? Widows were among the first casualties. The Old Testament prophets reproached those who wronged widows and called the nation back to its God-given responsibilities (e.g. Isaiah 10:1-3, Jeremiah 22:1-5, Ezekiel 22:6-7). The church is called to be God-like, imitating his example and obeying his commandments. The early church cared for widows (Acts 6). In fact, the task was so important that seven men of good reputation, full of wisdom and the Holy Spirit, were selected to be responsible for the matter. What's more, Paul laid out clear instructions in 1 Timothy 5 about how widows were to be regarded and treated. James did not mince his words in James 1:27. He said, in effect, “Let’s be clear about the nature of real religion. It must be visible and practical. It visits widows and orphans in their trouble as well as maintains moral purity in an evil world.”

How do I know if I am in love?

You know you're falling in love when your someone begins to take up major real estate in your thoughts. You might find yourself rehashing your...

Last updated Apr 12, 2021

What is the youngest an 18 can date?

California does not set a minimum age for someone to date within the state legally. However, if an adult has sexual relations with a minor, the...

Last updated Mar 20, 2021

Promotion

Will people see God heaven?

He is invisible. He is present everywhere. And, he is not localized like we are. Any change in our nature wouldn't help us see God, because it would take a change in His (invisible) nature.

openthebible.org - Bible Q&A: Will We See God the Father in Heaven?

Will we see God the Father in heaven? The Bible teaches we will be like Jesus after the resurrection, so if we cannot see God the Father then does that mean Jesus can’t see him either?

The answer to your question is less about us and more about the nature of God. The reason we cannot “see” God the Father has to do with His nature: “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24) God the Father is spirit. That means he does not have a physical body. He is invisible. He is present everywhere. And, he is not localized like we are. Any change in our nature wouldn’t help us see God, because it would take a change in His (invisible) nature. God the Son, Jesus, is different. At the incarnation, Jesus took on human flesh and He became the God/man. That is the reason why you will be able to see Jesus and not the Father. It is important to remember that God the Father and God the Son existed together in love in eternity past: “Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.” (John 17:24) All this love between the Father and Son presumably happened without them “seeing” each other. Also, while it is true that we will be like Jesus after the resurrection (sinless), we will not be like Jesus in every way (divinity).

Photo Credit: Unsplash

What does unhealthy love look like?

Lying, cheating, jealousy, and disrespect are signs of an unhealthy relationship. So is trying to control a partner. That includes: keeping track...

Last updated Mar 10, 2022

Who are narcissist attracted to?

In fact, narcissists are often attracted to strong, confident, and self-assured women. While this may seem counterintuitive, it is important to...

Last updated Sep 14, 2019

Promotion

What is long-lasting love?

What is long-lasting love. Long-lasting love can almost be described to be a committed and positive love life. The lovers remain socially and...

Last updated Feb 19, 2020

Promotion

What happens when two soulmates meet?

Thus, when you meet your soulmate, you have found someone who balances you, makes you happy, understands you, and wants you just as much as you...

Last updated Jan 14, 2018