1 Timothy 5:7-8 7So give directions about these things, so that they may be above reproach. 8But if anyone does not provide for his own people and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Paul pauses to focus back on Timothy to remind him to teach these important ideas to the church. These instructions would improve the quality of life for those in need and also help the church grow closer together by finding ways to love responsibly. The goal is for everyone to be above reproach (anepilēmptoi). This implications of this word is dependent upon cultural norms. Through his letters, Paul attempts to create a Christian culture, which takes the best of the general culture and puts it through the filter of Christian love and holiness. His instructions are for everyone in the church, not just widows. Family members of all ages are involved in the care of widows. For those widows left alone, the church should step in and be the substitute for family. Christian families that do not take care of the elderly or disabled in their own families bring shame to the gospel they profess.
Verse 8 sets up the possibility that some people do not care for the elderly in their families. Paul’s words are strong in this verse. Provide (pronoei) is a compound word meaning “to think” “beforehand.” Thus, the idea is to plan ahead. Saving money, food, or shelter for our future needs is important. A person is wise who plans ahead for his or her family. Paul’s instructions indicate how important family ought to be for Christians. It is not God’s will for our family members to be isolated, alone, and in need. This does not mean that we give money to be wasted or squandered, for that is laziness, selfishness, and stubbornness on the part of those family members. Rather, the focus is on taking care of those in our home (Greek oikos) who are our responsibility. Paul takes this idea so seriously that he argues anyone who does not care for his or her household has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. Even unbelievers care for their family, so Christians should rise even above that. Believers should know better because they have experienced God’s love and been taught how to love in the church. Those who do not care for their family members are caught up in the world, and their selfishness will harm those who need their care.
These verses are important for people in modern cultures where the elderly are left to their own. It is sad when a grandmother or grandfather are put into a nursing home and left their to slowly deteriorate. In some situations, this may be necessary for health and safety reasons and should be done only after much prayer and soul searching. When a family can care for their elderly, they should do so until it is beyond their abilities.
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