A fact of life we all face is our inevitable decline. The Bible says, “…it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment…” (Hebrews 9:27). While some die due to unforeseen circumstances, most see it coming through age, or a failure of health.
It is not a surprise that God has accommodated this truth in His instructions to His children. His call for us to love one another is specially challenged when the object of that love becomes more vulnerable or needy. There are numerous examples found in scripture of such circumstances. And it often does not involve age, as other physical circumstances in life can impact our service to one another.
One example of this service is found early in the existence of the Lord’s church. While the Christians remained situated in Jerusalem (Acts 6), it became necessary to take action to ensure the welfare of the widows of their number. The passage reveals God’s provision, a “daily distribution” of aid to them. No doubt this would include food, but there is no indication it was limited to it. The reason for Luke noting the practice is to point out a problem. The Hellenist widows were being neglected. While the specific reason for this neglect is a matter of speculation, the apostles determined it had to stop, and took steps to ensure their care. Seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, were appointed to ensure the inequity was solved.
Another example of help supplied to widows is found in Paul’s instructions to Timothy in 1 Timothy 5. In this passage another truth of God is revealed. While there are certainly circumstances when a congregation collectively (using the resources afforded by the collection) can act to help, the main responsibility is to us as individuals. Note verse 16, “If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.”
There are numerous passages that establish this truth. For example, James 1:27, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” The context, and even the language of the verse itself (“oneself” — a singular pronoun), shows the individual nature of this responsibility before God. Using this text, we might note that the collective righteousness or faithfulness of the group (local church) does not preclude our own individual judgment before God. While engaging with others in unscriptural activities might negatively impact your standing with God, it is clear that you can’t get to heaven riding on the coattails of others! “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Another text that shows the individual aspect of our consideration for one another is Jesus’ teaching about the Samaritan who helped his fellow traveler, Luke 10:25-37). This illustrates God’s command to each of us individually to love, and be neighborly.
While widows are a good example, as well as the orphans of James 1:27, there are many who may need our individual help. It may be because of some devastating natural occurrence. Hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters come to mind. An example was the famine which took place in Judea, prophesied by Agabus in Acts 11:28. (Note that while limitations are placed upon what the church collectively does in the matter of benevolence, no such limitation is given to the individual. “So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, ‘He who showed mercy on him.’ Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:36-37). The showing of love and mercy to the needy is always a good thing to do!
Other circumstances would include illness, the loss of a spouse or family member, indigence (a state of extreme poverty), and any other situation that would require our physical assistance.
We live on the earth for only a short period of time, and the earth is the place where God determines our loyalty and worthiness of spiritual reward. Jesus affirmed the importance of this when He foretold the judgment, “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” (Matthew 25:37-40).
Remember Paul’s words, “But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it…” (1 Corinthians 12:24). Whatever need our brother has, physical or spiritual, we should seek to fill!
