September 30, 2026 - Communities Restored
“Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 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 5:7-10 NIV
Part of my youth leadership training has me reading some articles about the importance of helping communities become restored healthy communities. Every person in a community has value and has the ability to contribute in some way. Given an example of a community in the article, we are asked how young people can contribute to restoring a community. I had listed off a number of things including helping widows and single moms with yard work, cleaning, shopping, babysitting, tutoring and the like. But these verses bring me back to EVERY person has value and something to contribute. Hospitality is something we can show even when we don't have much. Caring for others and helping to bring up children. A widow who would have young children into her home for a story time and snack once a week so moms can have a break with some older youth to be there to help supervise the kids would be a beautiful picture of the kind of community the church is supposed to be. And oh the joy that it would bring to every person involved.
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