What does the Bible say about helping widows – My Prayer is that This article will inspire some to begin a Widows Ministry. The Bible is filled with commandments and teachings about how we should behave as Christians. One such teaching is that we are to help widows. But what does this mean? And how can we go about doing this? In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about helping widows and provide some practical ways that you can help those who have lost their spouse.
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What does the Bible say about Helping Widows?
In today’s society, it is easy to get wrapped up in our own lives and forget about those around us who may be struggling. One group of people that we often overlook is widows. According to the Women’s Institute for Policy Research, “there are 12.4 million widows in America, and nearly 80% of them live in poverty.” As Christians, we are called to help those in need, so let’s take a look at what the Bible has to say about helping widows.
Widows are under special Care – in Jehovah’s Eyes
Widows are mentioned 54 Times in the Old Testament and 25 Times in the New.
The scriptures are clear that Jehovah God has a special concern for widows. In the book of James, we are told that “pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction” (1:27). We can by the work of your hands help the poor widow in their later years of age.
And in 1 Timothy 5:3-4, we are instructed to “honor widows who are really widows. But if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice godliness toward their own household and to make some return to their parents or grandparents.”
Clearly, then, Christians are called to show special care for widows. But why is this? One reason is that, as James says, widows are “afflicted”—that is, they are usually poor and in need of help. Additionally, widows often suffer from loneliness and isolation, due to the loss of their husbands.
As Christians, then, we should follow the example of Jehovah God by showing special care for widows. We can do this by regularly visiting them, helping them with their needs, and spending time with them. In doing so, we will bring them comfort and joy—and honor our loving heavenly Father.
The Old Testament Law
In the Old Testament, God’s people were instructed to take care of widows and orphans (Deuteronomy 10:18; 14:29; 16:11,14; 24:17,19-21; 27:19). This was not just a suggestion, but a commandment from God. The Israelites were also instructed to show special kindness to widows who were foreigners living among them (Exodus 22:21-24; 23:9; Leviticus 19:33-34). By Doing Good works and good deeds to help the case of the widow will honor widows. The Lord watches older women and encourages us to give them the proper Recognition.
What does this mean for us today? Even though we are not under the Old Testament law, we are still called to help those in need, especially widows. We can do this by supporting organizations that help widows, volunteering our time at widow support groups, or even reaching out to a widow in our own community.
New Testament Instructions
In the New Testament, we see that Jesus Himself was always helping those in need, including widows (Luke 7:11-17; 21:1-4). He also instructed His disciples to be generous and always ready to help others, especially widows (Luke 12:33; Mark 12:41-44). James 1:27 tells us that true religion is shown by caring for orphans and widows in their distress. Younger widows probably will remarry and can look to their own family. but the older men and women that cannot bear children or have no children will need our help. The New Testament writers say that pure and undefiled religion is caring for widows and fatherless children.
List of 11 Ways we can Help Widows?
1. Pray for them regularly, that God will give them His strength, comfort, and peace.
2. Invite them to join you for meals, outings, church functions, and other events. include them in your life and let them know they are welcome and appreciated.
3. Help with chores around their house such as yard work, home repairs, or cleaning. Many times these things can be overwhelming for someone who is grieving.
4. Bring them meals or send gift cards for restaurant delivery so they don’t have to cook if they don’t want to.
5. Offer to babysit their pets so they can have a break or run errands without having to worry about them.
7. If they are elderly, offer to drive them to appointments or help with errands as needed.
8. Check on them often, either in person, via text, email, or phone call, just to see how they are doing and if there is anything you can do for them.
9. Send encouraging notes or cards letting them know you are thinking of them and praying for them.
10. Give financial support if possible through groceries, paying bills, funeral costs, etc.
11. Most importantly, be there for them emotionally; listen without judging or giving advice unless asked; try to be understanding and compassionate; be patient; let them cry; provide a shoulder to lean on; hug them, and tell them it’s going to be okay even though you know it doesn’t feel like it right now.”
And More…
James 1:27 tells us to care for widows and orphans. Here are 11 ways we can help widows:
1. Pray for them daily
2. Bring them meals
3. Spend time with them on the phone or in person
4. Take them to doctor’s appointments
5. Help with yard work or home repairs
6. Do their grocery shopping
7. Pay for their utilities
8. Give them a gas card
9. Refer them to a lawyer or financial planner
10. Offer respite care
11. Be available to just listen
Who is a widow according to the Bible (King James Version)?
A widow, according to the Bible (King James Version), is a woman who has lost her husband due to death. In the Old Testament, a widow was someone who was left without any male support, which could be financially, physically, or emotionally.
In the New Testament, a widow is primarily defined as a woman who is grieving the loss of her husband. The Bible has many verses that discuss how God feels about widows and how His people are to care for them. For example, in Psalm 68:5, it says, “A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in His holy habitation.”
This verse shows that God is specifically concerned with those who are widows and orphans and that He will judge those who do not help them. Additionally, in James 1:27, it says, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction…” Here we see that one expression of true religion is caring for widows in their time of need.
From these verses and others, we can see that the Bible has a high view of widows and commands us to care for them.
What are 8 Encouraging Bible Verses for God’s Thoughts on Widows? List of Bible Verses
- Psalm 68:5 says, “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” This verse tells us that God is our defender and our helper, especially when we are alone. He is a father to the fatherless and a defender of widows. When we are going through difficult times, we can trust that God is with us and will help us.
- Proverbs 15:25 says, “The Lord will destroy the house of the proud but he will protect the widow’s possessions.” This verse tells us that God will defend those who are helpless and alone. He will destroy those who are proud and destroy their houses. But he will protect those who are helpless, like widows. He will keep them safe from harm.
- Deuteronomy 10:18 says, “He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing.” This verse tells us that God is just and he loves all people. He cares for those who are alone and helpless, like widows and orphans. He also loves foreigners or sojourners. He provides for them and protects them. More Bible verses and what they say are:
- Isaiah 1:17, “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”
- Jeremiah 22:3, “Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, or the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place.”
- Malachi 3:5, ““Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts.” In the New Testament some Verses and what they say are:
- James 1:27, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
- 1 Timothy 5:3-16, “Honor widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. …”
What are some of the things that God commands us to do for widows?
In the Bible, God commands us to show special care for widows. In James 1:27, we are told to “visit orphans and widows in their distress.” This implies that we should go out of our way to help those who are grieving or struggling in any way.
Additionally, in Isaiah 1:17, God says that he “learns righteousness” by caring for the needy and oppressed, including widows. This shows that God himself is concerned with justice for those who are vulnerable, and He expects us to follow His example. This was done in the early church and encouraged by the Lord Almighty.
We see, then, that part of caring for widows is practical – offering them help and support in their time of need. But it is also about taking a stand against injustice and showing compassion to those who are suffering. By doing so, we can bring some measure of hope and comfort to those who are grieving and remind them that they are not alone.
How can we practically help widows in our community?
. So how can we practically help widows in our community? One way is to provide financial assistance. This could involve paying for groceries, utilities, or medical expenses.
Another way to help is to offer practical support, such as yard work, car maintenance, or home repairs. Finally, we can also help by providing emotional support, being a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. By reaching out to widows in our community, we can show them the love of Christ and make a real difference in their lives. Some are not able to receive help from family members and a list of widows will open our eyes to their needs.
Why should we care about helping widows?
In the Bible, God commands us to help the widows and orphans. This is not a suggestion, but a commandment. And it’s not just a one-time thing – we are supposed to help them continually. Why is this? There are a few reasons.
First, God knows that widows and orphans are vulnerable and need our help. They don’t have anyone to take care of them or protect them, so we need to do it.
Second, helping widows and orphans is a way of showing God’s love to them. We are showing them that they are not forgotten or alone and that we care about them.
Finally, helping widows and orphans is a way of blessing them. When we help them, we are giving them something that they need, and that is a blessing from God. So let’s all make an effort to help the widows and orphans in our community – it’s what God has called us to do!
How can we be a blessing to widows even if we don’t know them personally?
In his letter to the church in Rome, the Apostle Paul gives us some direction on how we are to live our lives. He says, “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” Romans 12:9-13 ESV If we are to follow Paul’s instruction to love one another, then we must also show that love to widows.
But how can we do that if we don’t even know them? Well, one way we can bless widows is by giving generously to organizations that support them financially. Another way we can bless them is by volunteering our time at local widows’ homes or through other organizations that serve them.
And finally, we can pray for widows regularly, asking God to meet their needs and bring them comfort and peace. When we take the time to bless widows in these ways, we are showing them the love of Christ and demonstrating His care for them.
Final Thoughts – What does the Bible say about Helping Widows
The Bible is clear that God calls us to help those in need, especially widows. We can do this by supporting organizations that help widows, volunteering our time at widow support groups, or even reaching out to a widow in our own community, our own churches and our families. Let us all remember those who are struggling and be ready to help however we can.
God Bless Greg – My Prayer is that this will inspire some to begin a Widow’s Ministry