Today's Verse: 1 Timothy 5:10

Friday, May 10, 2024

No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.
— 1 Timothy 5:10
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

This devotional falls near Mother's Day for many in the Western Hemisphere. For all of us, however, it is a great time to honor our godly mothers, especially widows. To our shame, many modern churches have copied the leadership roles (or at least the leadership names) listed in the New Testament. We have bishops, elders, shepherds, pastors, ministers, deacons, ministry leaders... Why have so few churches had a "Widows List"? Why have we seldom recognized and valued godly women like the early church leaders did? Paul said that the women on the "Widows' List" had proven their godliness in lives well lived with genuine character. Paul emphasized that the Church should help support and care for them so they can continue their lives of ministry unworried by their essential needs. In a time when the world honors mothers, let's make sure our godly women, especially godly widows, are honored for their good deeds and service to God's people. Let's ensure they receive the love, support, and respect God wants them to have in the Church!

Notice that this year we are using the date to be a selection tool for our verses — May 10 (5/10) for 1 Timothy 5:10 — which challenges us to consider overlooked verses like this one!

Video Commentary...

We've included Phil's ToGather video from four years ago as an added blessing to our verse today:

My Prayer...

O Father, thank you for those women among us who have been faithful to their husbands, loving to their children, and hospitable to your people. Forgive our churches for not valuing these godly examples and resources of inspiration and ministry more. During this challenging time, open our eyes to those godly women among us whom we need to serve, support, and bless. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, May 10, 2024

A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
"Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Rescue me from my enemies,...."
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
"[Saul] fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?" "Who are you, lord?" Saul asked. And the..."
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
"Dear Disciple, During My earthly ministry, I warned My disciples that following Me would not be easy. The words you read in the verses below were..."
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
"When the Feast of Pentecost came, [the apostles] were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force — no one..."

Illustration

Illustration of 1 Timothy 5:10 — No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.