(The following is the October 1 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 1 Timothy 5 and pay close attention to verses 3-16.)

In the Old and New Testaments, God expects kindness and generosity from believers toward others. In the early church, we see this with the voluntary provision for needy believers in Acts 2:43-47. Several of Paul’s letters mention taking care of one another, whether through a collection like the one for the Jerusalem Christians or in everyday acts of mercy.

When he wrote Timothy about supporting needy widows in the church, Paul called on family members to provide for their own before expecting the church to provide (v. 16). “If anyone does not provide for his own family, especially for his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (v. 8). A complicating factor in living up to this standard today is the mobility of society. So many families spread out geographically over time pursuing education and job opportunities that they may not be directly involved in supporting family members except via financial support from a distance. Is that sufficient, or does God’s Word expect more from us, especially when older or disabled family members need practical physical assistance with daily living and not just financial help?

God’s fifth commandment to honor your father and mother (Ex. 20:12) still applies. We should never consider it burdensome to be present and provide for our family, such as aging parents. It is a joy and privilege to be present to honor, love, and serve them in their final years of life. More family members need to be willing to change where they live and work, if necessary, to love and care for their families.

Be kind and generous with acts of mercy toward others, including family members, before expecting the church to meet their needs.

Next Step:
Are there people in your family you can help in practical ways? Do you have needs other family members might help meet?