Introduction:
The care and support of widows is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting God's compassion and justice. Widows, often among the most vulnerable in society, are given special attention in both the Old and New Testaments. The biblical mandate to help widows underscores the importance of community responsibility and personal piety.

Old Testament Context:
In ancient Israel, widows were particularly vulnerable due to the patriarchal structure of society. Without a husband, a widow often lacked financial support and protection. The Law of Moses includes specific provisions to ensure their welfare. Deuteronomy 10:18 states, "He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing." This verse highlights God's direct concern for widows, placing their care as a divine priority.

The Book of Ruth provides a narrative example of God's provision for widows through the account of Naomi and Ruth. Ruth's loyalty to her widowed mother-in-law and Boaz's role as a kinsman-redeemer illustrate the community's responsibility to support widows.

Prophetic Warnings:
The prophets frequently condemned Israel for neglecting widows. Isaiah 1:17 exhorts, "Learn to do right; seek justice. Correct the oppressor; defend the fatherless; plead the case of the widow." This call to action emphasizes that true worship of God includes social justice and care for the marginalized.

New Testament Teachings:
The New Testament continues the theme of caring for widows, with Jesus Himself demonstrating compassion towards them. In Luke 7:12-15, Jesus raises the son of the widow of Nain, showing His deep compassion and power over death. This miracle not only restored the widow's son but also her social and economic security.

The early church took the responsibility of caring for widows seriously. Acts 6:1-6 describes the appointment of deacons to ensure that the daily distribution of food was not neglected, particularly for widows. This passage highlights the church's role in providing for the needs of its members.

Paul's instructions to Timothy further clarify the church's responsibility towards widows. In 1 Timothy 5:3-4, Paul writes, "Honor the widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to show godliness to their own household and to repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God." Paul emphasizes that family members have the primary responsibility to care for widows, but the church should step in when there is no family support.

Practical Application:
The biblical mandate to help widows calls for practical action. Churches and individual believers are encouraged to provide financial support, companionship, and advocacy for widows. James 1:27 succinctly states, "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." This verse encapsulates the heart of Christian service, combining personal holiness with active compassion.

Conclusion:
The biblical call to help widows is a profound expression of God's justice and mercy. It challenges believers to reflect God's character through tangible acts of love and support for those in need.James 1:27
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
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Galatians 2:10
Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
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Acts 20:35
I have showed you all things, how that so laboring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
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Luke 12:33
Sell that you have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that fails not, where no thief approaches, neither moth corrupts.
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Proverbs 22:9
He that has a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he gives of his bread to the poor.
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On Helping the Poor.
... I."On Helping the Poor ... that walks in the way of man-pleasing is rich, and therefore
is ashamed of orphans, the Father of orphans and Judge of widows will make ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on helping the poor.htm

Commandment Eighth. We Ought to Shun that which is Evil, and do ...
... Then there are the following attendant on these: helping widows, looking after orphans
and the needy, rescuing the servants of God from necessities, the being ...
/.../pastor/the pastor books first second third/commandment eighth we ought to.htm

Above All, Moreover, He Will Love the Nation of the Jews. ...
... cleansing lepers, raising paralytics, expelling demons, proclaiming things remote
just as things present, raising the dead, helping widows, defending orphans ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/piece xxiii above all moreover.htm

Association
... And he would, therefore, delight in supporting them in their sickness, and honouring
them when they died, and in helping their widows and orphans in their ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon xx association.htm

Concerning Widows.
... out thy helping hand and making provision for them as the steward of God, distributing
seasonably the oblations to every one of them, to the widows, the orphans ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i concerning widows.htm

On Lent, ii.
... in their infirmities, by the exiles in their hardships, by the orphans in their
destitution, and by solitary widows in their sadness: in the helping of whom ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leo/writings of leo the great/sermon xl on lent ii.htm

Whether Bishops Sin Mortally if they Distribute not to the Poor ...
... be charged, that there may be sufficient for them that are widows indeed." Much ... man
is to be commended if, there being no present necessity for helping the poor ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether bishops sin mortally if.htm

It Has Come to the Knowledge Of. The Holy Synod that Certain of ...
... Unless further their Bishop permits them to take care of orphans and widows. ... partly
to supply his own wants, and partly to obtain means of helping the poor (Soz ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon iii it has come.htm

The Past Day Returns not Hereafter, and after Yesterday Proceeds ...
... directed to spiritual delights, that your liberality wax warm rather in helping
such as ... but alms to the needy, which above measure help the prayers of widows. ...
/.../augustine/on the good of widowhood /section 25 the past day.htm

Whether a Religious Order Can be Directed to Soldiering?
... works of the active life, in so far as they are concerned in helping our neighbor ...
as stated in the same Decretal, or for the defense of the poor and widows. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether a religious order can.htm

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