1 Timothy 5:10
Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
The verse lists the practical good works by which a woman's loyalty is shown and a widow is recognized: bringing up children, lodging strangers, washing the saints' feet, relieving the afflicted, and diligently following every good work. Care for the sick and suffering, together with practical service in the home, counts among the good works worthy of recognition. Washing the saints' feet is a plain duty laid down in the verse and belonging among Christian duties, which keeps God's people humble and separate from the world and from backsliding, humbling the one who performs it and glorifying God when done in gospel order. It is an example of humble service like Mary's loving act toward Jesus, which expressed her faith in him as the Son of God.
The verse gives an example for sisters to wash the feet of brethren and makes that practice according to gospel order, following the example of women washing Jesus' feet. It gives no example for brethren to wash sisters' feet. Footwashing together with the Lord's supper should be practiced more frequently by following Christ's example as exactly as possible, always done understandingly and not made a tedious ceremony. The duty should be introduced into new places with carefulness and wisdom where people are uninformed or prejudiced against it through former teachers.
A widow's good works are relevant when the church considers whom to support, with such good works expected of widows receiving the church's care. The church should care for widows and orphans of faithful believers while wisely examining each case and not using support to maintain people who could support themselves. Widows and invalids in the church are a means of testing believers and developing Christlike character, especially compassion for those who are unfortunate and afflicted.