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.

1 Timothy 5:4-8

Christians are, as in everything, called to a higher standard of conduct when we are asked to care for our relatives who have needs. This is a mark of our Christ-like attitude, to not only help those who deserve, earn and reciprocate kindness, but those who truly need kindness the most, including our enemies.

If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

Luke 6:32-36

Paul has harsh words who neglect their family members in need; they are worse than non-believers. Granted, there is also admonition to be had for the self-indulgent widow who takes help from believers while not herself being dedicated to prayer and supplication before God. This is all toward the grand design of a church which helps those of its number in need so that all are lifted up.

This passage definitely has a direct, individual message, but it comes in the larger context of designing a church “community welfare program” where those who have excess feed those who lack. So the principle reaches outward as well as inward; we are to reflect on the impact we have on our fellow believers as well as our own motivations and actions.

Ethan Kirl