Obligation to Family.1 Timothy 5:7-8.
Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Dear Royal Priesthood,
We continue with the matter of widows and their need for charity. Before Paul focuses on the widows and their obligations, he wants to reiterate the onus of individuals to care for their kin.
Guiltless (v. 7). It is not clear what Paul wants Timothy to command, the things he has already said, or the things he is about to say. The phrase “as well” implies in addition, so it more likely that he is talking about things he is about to say. The point of instruction is that those commanded will “be without reproach” – blameless. This will happen if they obey and live as they are taught. A bad name on a Christian is a reproach to all Christians.
Generous (v. 8). The opposite of generosity is selfishness. A person who ignores close relatives and turns his back on them when they are in need “is worse than an unbeliever.” This is because even unbelievers know to care for their own. A person who is insensitive to his needy kin should not even be considered a believer. “He has denied the faith,” because the faith is about Christ who gave himself up for us. He is the epitome of generosity. Of course, we have to watch for idlers who leech on others, but that is not an excuse to withhold charity. It is better to be cheated than to let a genuinely needy person go from us empty-handed. Take the risk, reach out. You can never lose if your attitude is right.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.