– Today’s Community Scripture – 10/29/2025
Don’t be harsh or impatient with an older man. Talk to him as you would your own father, and to the younger men as your brothers. Reverently honor an older woman as you would your mother, and the younger women as sisters. Take care of widows who are destitute. If a widow has family members to take care of her, let them learn that religion begins at their own doorstep and that they should pay back with gratitude some of what they have received. This pleases God immensely. You can tell a legitimate widow by the way she has put all her hope in God, praying to him constantly for the needs of others as well as her own. But a widow who exploits people’s emotions and pocketbooks—well, there’s nothing to her. Tell these things to the people so that they will do the right thing in their extended family. Anyone who neglects to care for family members in need repudiates the faith. That’s worse than refusing to believe in the first place. Sign some widows up for the special ministry of offering assistance. They will in turn receive support from the church. They must be over sixty, married only once, and have a reputation for helping out with children, strangers, tired Christians, the hurt and troubled. Don’t put young widows on this list. No sooner will they get on than they’ll want to get off, obsessed with wanting to get a husband rather than serving Christ in this way. By breaking their word, they’re liable to go from bad to worse, frittering away their days on empty talk, gossip, and trivialities. No, I’d rather the young widows go ahead and get married in the first place, have children, manage their homes, and not give critics any foothold for finding fault. Some of them have already left and gone after Satan. Any Christian woman who has widows in her family is responsible for them. They shouldn’t be dumped on the church. The church has its hands full already with widows who need help. Give a bonus to leaders who do a good job, especially the ones who work hard at preaching and teaching. Scripture tells us, “Don’t muzzle a working ox” and “A worker deserves his pay.” Don’t listen to a complaint against a leader that isn’t backed up by two or three responsible witnesses. If anyone falls into sin, call that person on the carpet. Those who are inclined that way will know right off they can’t get by with it. God and Jesus and angels all back me up in these instructions. Carry them out without favoritism, without taking sides. Don’t appoint people to church leadership positions too hastily. If a person is involved in some serious sins, you don’t want to become an unwitting accomplice. In any event, keep a close check on yourself. And don’t worry too much about what the critics will say. Go ahead and drink a little wine, for instance; it’s good for your digestion, good medicine for what ails you. The sins of some people are blatant and march them right into court. The sins of others don’t show up until much later. The same with good deeds. Some you see right off, but none are hidden forever. Whoever is a slave must make the best of it, giving respect to his master so that outsiders don’t blame God and our teaching for his behavior. Slaves with Christian masters all the more so—their masters are really their beloved brothers! These are the things I want you to teach and preach.
1 Timothy 5:1–6:2 (MSG)
– Reflection:
Life calls us to treat people with respect and care, no matter their age or position. This passage reminds us that older men should be treated like fathers, older women like mothers, and younger ones like brothers and sisters—with purity and love. It teaches us to honor those who serve well and to help those in need without judgment. At its core, it’s about living with humility, fairness, and kindness, knowing that our actions speak louder than words. When we lead with honor and integrity, we reflect God’s heart in everyday life.
– Where do we go from here?
From this point forward, our faith and our family must stand together as the foundation of everything we do. Faith is not just something we talk about on Sundays; it’s the guide for how we live every day. It shapes how we love, how we forgive, and how we lead. Family is where that faith is first practiced. When we put God at the center of our homes, we create strength that no storm can break. So where do we go from here? We go forward with hearts committed to God and hands dedicated to each other. We build homes that honor Him, and we live lives that show His love in action.
– Our Prayer for Today
Father, thank You for giving us faith and family. Help us keep You first in everything we do. Teach us to love each other the way You love us. Show us how to lead our homes with peace, patience, and kindness. When life gets hard, remind us that You are our strength. Help us speak words that build up, not tear down. Let our faith guide our steps, and let our family stand strong together. Today, we choose to trust You and walk in Your ways. Amen.
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Let Your Spirit guide our decisions, our conversations, and our actions. When challenges come, remind us that You are our strength. When we feel weak, remind us that steel is forged in fire, and You are shaping us for something greater. Let today be a day where we grow, serve, and reflect Your love in everything we do.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
