From raw deal to new deal

Do not add any widow to the list of widows unless she is over sixty years of age. In addition, she must have been married only once and have a reputation for good deeds: a woman who brought up her children well, received strangers in her home, performed humble duties for other Christians, helped people in trouble, and devoted herself to doing good. (verses 9,10)

Read 1 Timothy 5:1-16

Today’s reading shows Paul’s concern for the members of Timothy’s congregation, particularly the widows who have no family to support them.

Some of Paul’s statements and the reasons given are not easy to follow, because he seems to discriminate in favour of older widows who have served the community well. But two concerns stand out: that the resources of the church should be used carefully for those who would really benefit, and that the congregation’s reputation should be of the highest standard in a society which regarded Christians with deep suspicion.

In the ancient world, widows got a raw deal. Who in our time gets a raw deal from the modern world and from our church? Do you know of someone who has been overlooked by the leaders of your congregation? Perhaps you have been one of those overlooked. Perhaps you still carry some hurts. Take your hurts to Jesus, and let him take away your load. Jesus came to heal our wounds and to transform us with his new deal of love and forgiveness.

Dear Lord, thank you for your healing touch. Make me a channel of your peace: where there is hatred let me bring your love, where there is injury, your pardon, Lord. Amen.

by Margaret Hunt, in ‘New Strength for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 1998)

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