The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 1 Timothy 5:5-6 (NIV)
Paul describes two kinds of widows—one who puts her hope in God, and the other who lives for pleasure.
This introduces a second consideration in discerning how we should help a person in need. The church should not give in a way that supports or enables an ungodly lifestyle. It is right to ask, “Is this person committed to pursuing a godly life?”
So here are two very practical questions that we should consider asking whenever we are faced with situations of need: What provision has God made for this person? What commitment has this person made toward God? There will be times when God provides for people in need through the kindness of his own people.
When you respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, so that a person in need experiences the provision of God, it is a wonderful ministry that brings glory to God.
Whose life will you touch today? Who will experience the help of God through your kindness this week?