Paul wrote to Timothy, giving instructions as to help for those who are in need. I won't quote the whole of chapter 5 but it should be read so as to give context. I'm putting this out there because I'm interested in what happens in various churches. If you are in church leadership, how does your fellowship manage these issues?
1 Timothy 5:9
"A widow should be enrolled if she is at least sixty years old, the wife of one man, and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work."
Commentators say that this refers to to regular support, like a pension. This is not so important in a welfare state such as Australia. Australia spends an eye watering amount on welfare, about 1/3 of the national expenditure. It seems few care that governments produce nothing and spend tax payers money. They have none of their own to spend. Having said that, our small fellowship has helped out families when the breadwinner lost their job. We supported them for a time until they found work. We have helped single mothers who were separated or divorced. They were recent converts.
My overall impression of Paul's instructions to Timothy is that financial help is conditional. Where possible, the family of the needy individual should support the relative. Church funds should be reserved for the truly needy and who live a lifestyle pleasing to God.
I've never examined this passage in detail or considered how it should be applied in this day and age. I've read a number of posts that imply that if we do not give to the poor, we are all going to hell. It seems to me that there is a "yes, but......" that has to be taken into consideration.
Of course, we do not live in the same kind of world as Paul and Timothy. However, the principles Paul gave to Timothy surely still apply. There is the matter of stewardship of the money that the saints give to their fellowship. Should we not ensure that the saints gifts are expended wisely? I'd be very interested in how your fellowship manages these issues.
1 Timothy 5:9
"A widow should be enrolled if she is at least sixty years old, the wife of one man, and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work."
Commentators say that this refers to to regular support, like a pension. This is not so important in a welfare state such as Australia. Australia spends an eye watering amount on welfare, about 1/3 of the national expenditure. It seems few care that governments produce nothing and spend tax payers money. They have none of their own to spend. Having said that, our small fellowship has helped out families when the breadwinner lost their job. We supported them for a time until they found work. We have helped single mothers who were separated or divorced. They were recent converts.
My overall impression of Paul's instructions to Timothy is that financial help is conditional. Where possible, the family of the needy individual should support the relative. Church funds should be reserved for the truly needy and who live a lifestyle pleasing to God.
I've never examined this passage in detail or considered how it should be applied in this day and age. I've read a number of posts that imply that if we do not give to the poor, we are all going to hell. It seems to me that there is a "yes, but......" that has to be taken into consideration.
Of course, we do not live in the same kind of world as Paul and Timothy. However, the principles Paul gave to Timothy surely still apply. There is the matter of stewardship of the money that the saints give to their fellowship. Should we not ensure that the saints gifts are expended wisely? I'd be very interested in how your fellowship manages these issues.