READ: 1 Tim. 5:1-8: Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity. Honor widows who are really widows. But 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…
Paul now focuses on dealing with specific members within the church. Timothy will encounter members of different ages, even when it comes to correction. In such situations, he should regard everyone as a member of one large family: the household of God: brothers, sisters, fathers, and mothers in the Lord (Matt. 12:49-50).
No one should be treated harshly or without respect, especially not older men (Lev. 19:32, Prov. 20:29, Lam. 5:12b). Timothy should not rebuke them harshly but encourage them. Paul does not mean that Timothy should simply leave an elderly brother alone if he falls into sin or error; rather, he should address him with the necessary respect. Consider him as your own father, says Paul. This requires love, humility, and tact when exercising authority.
Likewise, young men should be approached with brotherly love, and older women as mothers. For young women, it is also emphasized that interactions should be conducted with all purity. This is an additional indication to prevent abuse of power.
Widows who have no children, true widows who are alone, hold a special position. They receive care and protection from God. They can only rely on God (see v. 5). The Scriptures are full of this truth. Honor them! Let children of widows look after their mother or grandmother. This is their duty according to the 5th commandment. It pleases God. They must be taught to do so (see also v. 16).
What lesson does this hold for ourselves?
Singing: Ps. 146:5