Provide For Relatives

Do not speak harshly to an older man, but speak to him as to a father, to younger men as brothers, to older women as mothers, to younger women as sisters – with absolute purity.

Honor widows who are really widows. If a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn their religious duty to their own family and make some repayment to their parents; for this is pleasing in God’s sight. The real widow, left alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day; but the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. Give these commands as well, so that they may be above reproach. And whoever does not provide for relatives, and especially for family members, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

1 Timothy 5:1-8

Some of us have had to change our lives in order to take care of our parents. There is nothing wrong with this, in fact it is what we are supposed to do.

Some will change the missions they have been a part of for their whole lives. Many spent years in preparation and has many years yet to serve.

Look at it another way. You have not given up your lifework, but rather assumed another lifework. Loving and caring for others is our life’s work, and caring for those who are family, is the highest and holiest work of all. To deny love is to align ourselves with a cold, uncaring world.

Not everyone can leave a career or calling to care for others. Financial realities and obligations may dictate otherwise. But is not such love the mark of one who does the work of God? Jesus promised us that if we help His children, we will not lose our reward.

True love is doing,

not just feeling.

Our Daily Bread – September 12, 2008