“Let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord. Jeremiah 9:24 NKJV.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. Psalm 19:1-2.

In our chapter, 1 Timothy 5, is instruction in how to help the brethren and ministry in the practical need of living each day in the times the church lived. What about our times today? Can we glean what is needed? Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity. Honor the widows who are widows indeed; but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God. Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day. But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives. Prescribe these things well, so that they may be above reproach. But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself in every good work. But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married, thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous pledge. At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention. Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, bear children, keep house, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach; for some have already turned aside to follow Satan. If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed. The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality. Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others, keep yourself free from sin. No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after. Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.

We don’t have to be widows to fix our hope on God and continue in entreaties and prayers night and day. That is sorely needed today for all people to give and to receive. Why? Because we are living in times just like those in every age of mankind where violence and self-interest are pushed forcefully to the forefront. And we are left to wonder why everything is breaking down we thought was so secure. Cracks and now chasms are revealed for what they truly are. Spiritual sickness in mankind. You and me and all of us…no human is immune. Look to Creator God – Father, Son, Spirit, for all that His love IS. In His love, He exercises lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth for in these He delights. And we can delight in Him all the more as we recognize the differences between His love bringing needed change in us, and mankind’s violence and self-interest leading where they always must – hatred for others, injustices, and unrighteousness in the earth. As we see all of this being played out today in our fallen world – look! – The heavens declare the glory of God…the skies proclaim the work of His hands…day after day and night after night they pour forth speech and display knowledge…to show us all creation, including us, was created and our Creator Himself brings healing to hearts sorely in need of His love and care and wisdom. Look to God for His love and let His healing in you begin. And pray for all of our brothers and sisters enslaved still in spiritual sickness. Jesus will return and the healing He will bring we truly cannot imagine living as we do now in this fallen world of our own making because we listen to the accuser of all that is good and holy. It will not always be that way. While Jesus lived among us He showed us in real time what God’s kingdom is…and it was faithfully recorded so we could read and know and hope in Him. All we cannot imagine today we can remember was already shown to the people living then so blessed to have received His love and teaching for all that is good and holy and needed. He teaches and loves us still! Are we listening to Him or to the accuser? Our choice always. When you’ve had enough of all that is wrong, turn to God. Let Him show you all that His love IS!