Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

The Right Way to Care for Others Read 1 Timothy 5:1–6:2 If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:8 A common fear among many Asian parents is that once their children become Christians, they would stop being filial to them and not care for them in their old age. It is like losing a son or daughter to the church. This fear arises out of the many bad examples they have seen or heard from their friends who have ‘lost’ their children. However, the truth is that becoming a Christian should make you a better son or daughter than before your conversion. There is no room for individualism in God’s family. Those who live selfishly slander the name of God. We are admonished to care for others especially our own relatives (v 8). This is completely in tune with our traditional Asian values of looking after our extended family members and the needy in our midst. Loving others practically does not mean just giving handouts indiscriminately because that will foster indolence causing more damage in the long run. We help those who are really in need by providing for them; we encourage the rest to work to support not only themselves but others as well. This will ensure that relationships run smoothly, family members do not harbour resentment against the church and the Name of Christ is upheld. Purity and respect for each other in relationships are very important to this end. Pray that we will treat each other, our relatives and friends ,with love and respect so that Christ’s name is honoured.B138