NHCOC is so blessed. We have so many young families with children who give us life and and vigor. But, let us never forget our wonderful widows and widowers who serve as a great example of faithfulness and endurance.
Congregations of the Lord’s church both great and small are bound to have some who are widows and widowers. Usually these people are older, but sometimes there might be a younger widow/widower as well. The world might view these people as just a part of life as death is common and is not a respecter of persons. But within the church we should pause, remember the role death plays in the Christian’s life and see the big picture by helping those who might feel lonely.
The Bible says numerous things about widows. God commanded His people to never mistreat widows (Exodus 22:22) The story of Ruth displays the attitude and actions one might have for her widowed mother-in-law and God’s greater love through His providential care for both Ruth and Naomi as widows.
Psalm 68:5 says, “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.” There are numerous passages in the New Testament which provide instruction for how to care for widows and widowers. But the one that makes it so clear how pleasing it is to God to care for widows is found in James 1:27.
“Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”
If we want to witness pure Christianity in action, you can see it in the the way we care for widows, orphans and/or those who are suffering, in pain, or neglected by the world. For Christians, caring for those who are lonely is of vital importance. If we can’t care for these people then we have no business caring for anyone at all. The widow and widower is our neighbor and we should love them very much.
That is why I am so happy that on Sunday after worship our widows and widowers will have a time of encouragement eating lunch and enjoying time together. If you are a widow or widower or if you want to encourage those who are stay and enjoy this special time together.
~ Alex