And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
These things are to be given as a clear charge concerning care for needy relatives, widows, and the poor, so that those responsible may be blameless. Families able to do so are to provide suitable care for their aged relatives. When families cannot provide such care, the church is to help, and the conference is to provide for those whom the church cannot support.
The church's care is directed especially to its own needy members, including the widows and orphans of believers. That care is for the unfortunate and afflicted, not an obligation to support everyone who is poor. Each case is to be examined and care wisely directed, so as not to foster dependence among those able to support themselves. The presence of widows and invalids in the church gives others an opportunity to show Christlike compassion.
These things are to be given as a clear charge concerning care for needy relatives, widows, and the poor, so that those responsible may be blameless. Families able to do so are to provide suitable care for their aged relatives. When families cannot provide such care, the church is to help, and the conference is to provide for those whom the church cannot support.
The church's care is directed especially to its own needy members, including the widows and orphans of believers. That care is for the unfortunate and afflicted, not an obligation to support everyone who is poor. Each case is to be examined and care wisely directed, so as not to foster dependence among those able to support themselves. The presence of widows and invalids in the church gives others an opportunity to show Christlike compassion.