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Jeremiah 35:1-36:32, I Timothy 5:1-25, Psalm 89:14-37, Proverbs 25:25-27
“The church should take loving care of women whose husbands have died if they don’t have anyone else to help them. But if they have children or grandchildren, these are the ones who should take the responsibility, for kindness should begin at home, supporting needy parents. This is something that pleases God very much…But anyone who won’t care for his own relatives when they need help, especially those living in his own family, has no right to say he is a Christian. Such a person is worse than the heathen.” I Timothy 5:3-4, 8
Folks used to take care of their people a lot more a few years ago than they do now. The apostle Paul says that God shines on people who take care of their own. I know there are some circumstances where it just isn’t feasible, but as long as we can, we should take care of our parents and those in our families in whatever form we are able. Best case scenario is all siblings and family members pulling together to assist the one in need.
You know, we are told to honor our parents as well in Exodus 20:12. Some struggle with this because maybe their parents didn’t always do right by them. All I can say is, suck it up buttercup. The world isn’t fair but as a Christian are you going to be like Jesus and forgive them because “they know not what they do?” Are you going to harbor bitterness in your soul and cast them aside so they can reap what they sowed? Is that God’s heart? Even while experiencing the excruciating pain on the cross, Jesus had the presence of mind to ensure care for His mother, give comfort to the thief dying next to Him, and He even took a moment to ask Father to forgive all those who were there. Meditate on that for a minute…
PRAYER: Wow. Lord, thank You for modeling for me how I should behave. I acknowledge there is an expectation on my life to rise above the fray; to do better. I love You and I ask You to give me wisdom and patience with my parents and other family members who may require extra attention or help at times. I know in my heart You will be with us and give us what we need to get through. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.
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