Caring for widows is a theme that appears frequently in the Bible. In both the Old and New Testaments, God calls His people to support and uplift widows, who often found themselves vulnerable in ancient times. Helping widows is seen as an expression of true faith and compassion.
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What Does The Bible Say About Helping Widows
James 1:27
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of caring for widows in their time of need. It suggests that true religion involves showing compassion and support to those who have lost their spouses and may be facing challenging circumstances.
Additionally, it highlights the need to protect oneself from worldly influences that can detract from fulfilling this duty of helping widows. By prioritizing acts of kindness and avoiding sinful behaviors, believers can effectively fulfill their role in providing assistance and upliftment to widows.
1 Timothy 5:3
“Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.”
In this verse, the apostle Paul urges believers to show genuine care and concern for widows who are truly in need. By giving them proper recognition, it implies acknowledging their struggles and extending help to alleviate their difficulties.
This verse reminds Christians to prioritize the most vulnerable within their communities and offer tangible support to widows who may be facing financial strain or emotional challenges. It encourages believers to exercise empathy, generosity, and proper discernment when addressing the needs of widows.
Acts 6:1-4
“In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
This passage recounts a situation in the early Christian community where the needs of widows were not being adequately met. The apostles recognized the importance of addressing this issue but also understood that they had their own specific roles and responsibilities.
By appointing seven individuals to oversee the distribution of food, the apostles ensured that the needs of widows would be properly and fairly attended to. This passage highlights the importance of recognizing and responding to the practical needs of widows within the community while also recognizing the need for balance and delegation of responsibilities among believers.
Psalm 68:5
“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.”
This verse describes God as a loving and compassionate Father who defends and cares for widows. It reminds believers of God’s character and His deep concern for those who are oppressed and marginalized, including widows.
Understanding that God Himself is the ultimate protector and provider for widows can inspire believers to follow His example and actively support and advocate for widows in their own communities. It is a reminder that when we help widows, we are aligning ourselves with God’s heart and purpose.
Deuteronomy 10:18
“He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.”
This verse affirms God’s commitment to defend the rights and meet the needs of widows. It illustrates His compassion and His desire for His people to do the same.
As believers, we are called to emulate God’s character by actively participating in uplifting widows. This can include providing practical support like food and clothing, as well as offering emotional and spiritual encouragement. By demonstrating love and care, we reflect God’s heart for the vulnerable and contribute to a just and caring community.
Ruth 2:2
“And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.””
This verse depicts the proactive nature of Ruth, a widow herself, as she seeks to provide for herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth takes the initiative to glean in the fields, seeking favor from the landowner to gain sustenance.
Ruth’s example serves as a reminder that widows can actively contribute to their own well-being and the well-being of their families. It reveals the resilience and resourcefulness that widows possess, even in difficult circumstances. Ruth’s determination demonstrates the importance of empowering widows to take charge of their lives while also recognizing the significance of community support.
Proverbs 15:25b
“But he upholds the widow’s cause.”
This verse declares that God Himself upholds the cause of widows. It confirms that widows are not forgotten or abandoned by Him, but rather, they are under His special care and protection.
Knowing that God is actively involved in defending widows should inspire believers to do the same. It encourages us to speak up for widows, advocate for their needs, and ensure that justice is served on their behalf. By aligning ourselves with God’s heart for the vulnerable, we can become instruments of His love and compassion in the lives of widows.
Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
In this verse, believers are commanded to actively engage in doing what is right and just. Part of this responsibility includes defending and advocating for the rights and welfare of widows.
This verse calls believers to action, encouraging them to actively seek justice for widows in society. By standing up for the oppressed, taking up the causes of the fatherless, and pleading the case of widows, believers can demonstrate the love and righteousness of God.
Exodus 22:22-24
“Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless. If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless.”
This passage serves as a stern warning against exploiting or mistreating widows. God takes the mistreatment of widows very seriously and promises to avenge them if they cry out to Him.
As believers, we are called to treat widows with respect, fairness, and kindness. This verse reminds us of the dire consequences of neglecting or harming widows and underscores the importance of demonstrating compassion and justice towards them.
Luke 20:47
“They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”
This verse talks about the hypocritical behavior of some religious leaders who take advantage of widows while maintaining a façade of piety. Jesus exposes their hypocrisy and warns that severe punishment awaits them for exploiting vulnerable widows.
It serves as a powerful reminder for believers to be genuine in their support of widows, as superficial displays of faith are not pleasing to God. It calls upon us to act with integrity and sincerity, ensuring that our actions align with our professed beliefs.
Mark 12:40
“They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”
This verse echoes the sentiment expressed in Luke 20:47, where Jesus condemns the religious leaders who exploit widows for their own gain while pretending to be pious. It emphasizes that such actions not only dishonor God but also carry severe consequences.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be aware of and combat any form of injustice or exploitation directed towards widows. This includes speaking out against those who abuse their positions of power and privilege, and supporting widows with integrity and compassion.
Deuteronomy 24:19
“When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.”
In this verse, God instructs the Israelites to intentionally leave some of their harvest for the benefit of the foreigner, fatherless, and widow. By doing so, they not only show kindness and generosity but also invite the Lord’s blessing upon their own work.
This verse encourages believers to consider the needs of widows and actively participate in blessing them. It emphasizes the principle of sharing with those in need and highlights the reciprocal relationship between acts of compassion and experiencing God’s favor.
Matthew 23:14
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Therefore, you will receive greater condemnation.”
This verse records Jesus’ scathing rebuke of religious leaders who exploit widows and use their religious practices to deceive others. He warns them of the severe judgment they will face for their hypocrisy.
This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of sincerity, integrity, and genuine care in our interactions with widows. It calls believers to actively avoid any semblance of exploiting vulnerable individuals for personal gain while offering prayers and religious acts.
Job 29:12
“Because I rescued the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to assist them. The one who was dying blessed me; I made the widow’s heart sing.”
In this verse, Job declares his righteous actions, including helping the poor and assisting fatherless children. He describes the gratitude of the dying and the joy he brought to widows through his acts of compassion.
This verse underscores the profound impact that assisting widows can have on their lives. By extending help, comfort, and support, believers have the opportunity to bring hope, blessing, and even joy to widows who may be experiencing significant pain and loss.
1 Timothy 5:16
“If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.”
Paul instructs the early Christian community to prioritize the care of widows within their own families before relying solely on the church’s assistance. By doing so, it relieves the burden on the wider church community and allows resources to be directed towards those who are truly destitute.
This verse recognizes the importance of familial responsibility and highlights the need for individual believers to actively support widows within their own networks. It reminds us that caring for widows is a shared responsibility and encourages believers to responsibly steward their resources to meet the needs of those who are most vulnerable.
Acts 9:36-39
“In Joppa, there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.”
This passage tells the story of Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, a faithful disciple who dedicated herself to helping the poor and widows. She was deeply mourned by the widows she had served, who showed Peter all the clothing she had made for them.
Tabitha’s example highlights the impact that acts of kindness and service can have on widows and the community at large. It encourages believers to use their skills and resources to uplift widows, demonstrating the love of Christ through tangible acts of generosity and compassion.
Luke 7:12-13
“As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.””
Jesus encounters a grieving widow whose only son has died, and His heart is moved with compassion for her. He comforts her, instructing her not to weep.
This verse highlights Jesus’ empathy and tenderness towards widows who are in pain and distress. It serves as a reminder that as believers, we are called to have the same compassionate response, offering comfort, encouragement, and practical support to those who have experienced significant loss.
Ezekiel 22:7
“In you, they have treated father and mother with contempt; in you, they have oppressed the foreigner and mistreated the fatherless and the widow.”
This verse describes a city characterized by the mistreatment of widows. It illustrates a society that has disregarded and oppressed those who are most vulnerable, including widows.
This verse serves as a warning to believers against adopting attitudes or behaviors that contribute to the mistreatment of widows. It calls believers to be vigilant in ensuring that widows are treated with respect, fairness, and kindness, actively opposing any form of oppression or mistreatment.
Mark 12:42-44
“But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.””
In this account, Jesus observes a poor widow giving sacrificially to the temple treasury. Despite her limited resources, she wholeheartedly gives all she possesses.
This passage illustrates the value of sacrificial giving and highlights the significance of the widow’s act of faith. It reminds believers that acts of generosity, regardless of the magnitude, are valuable when offered with a sincere and selfless heart. It also challenges us to reevaluate our own giving practices, urging us to give sacrificially and trust God’s provision as widows often do.
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
This verse offers comfort and reassurance to believers facing anxiety and uncertainty. It encourages them to cast their burdens, including the concerns of widows within their communities, upon God who deeply cares for them.
When engaging with widows, believers can find solace in knowing that God is ultimately the source of comfort, provision, and guidance. It calls believers to rely on God’s strength and wisdom as they strive to support, uplift, and address the needs of widows.
1 Kings 17:9
“Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.”
Elijah is sent by God to a specific widow in Zarephath, whom God has commanded to provide food for Elijah during a time of drought and famine.
This verse highlights God’s supernatural provision and His ability to use widows as vessels of blessing and support. It encourages believers to trust in God’s guidance and provision when engaging with widows, knowing that He can work through them to meet tangible needs.
Psalm 146:9
“The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.”
This verse assures believers that the Lord is attentive to the needs of widows, promising to watch over and sustain them. It also asserts that God opposes and thwarts the wicked who harm widows.
Knowing that God actively cares for widows should offer comfort and assurance to believers, motivating them to emulate His love and protection. This verse affirms the importance of standing against any form of wickedness that devalues or mistreats widows, trusting that God will ultimately bring justice.
Proverbs 31:8-9
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
In these verses, the wise King Lemuel’s mother urges him to advocate for the rights of the destitute and oppressed, including widows. She calls on him to use his influence and position to speak up on their behalf and ensure fair treatment.
These verses emphasize the responsibility of believers to use their voices and actions to defend the rights and address the needs of widows. It encourages believers to actively combat social injustice and to be a voice for those who may not have the ability or opportunity to speak for themselves.