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In Paul's era, the church was a Christian's social service agency. If you had needs, the church would help. You certainly couldn't count on the Roman government, which was likely to use you for lion bait. In Timothy, Paul also pointed to the family as a resource to meet those needs. It was the responsibility of children and grandchildren to care for aging family members. Paul used strong words: "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever" (5:8). Paul didn't suggest you give time to serve your parents instead of serving God. He said that caring for your parents is serving God.

Of course you hope that your parents make financial arrangements for their own support during old age. And you can draw on available government and community services. You can encourage your parents to be as independent as they can for as long as they can. But in the end, caring for parents is a family responsibility.

What do your parents need? You. (See also Psalm 25: Proverbs 23:22-25; Joel 2:28-32; 1 Corinthians 15:35-58.)

Good Words to Remember:
If any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God. 1 Timothy 5:4

Today's Challenge:
In what ways are you caring for your parents' needs?

Bible Studies on Parenting and Family