We said yesterday for the younger women to turn to family for support instead of the church (1 Timothy 5:3,9). Two reactions spring to mind. Does this mean the church is not supposed to help young widows? And, What if her father or family refuse to support her?
Let's be clear, on the first question, Paul's instructions do not mean that the church does not help the young widow with food or clothing. Paul is referring to the custom of widows living in the church, and the church being their sole support, similar to Anna who met Mary and Joseph in the temple (Luke 2:36-38).
As to the family who refuses to support a relative who is a young widow, Paul writes, "But if anyone does not provide for his own , and especially from his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an infidel (1 Timothy 5:8).
