Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

25 October 2025

Reading From I Timothy 5

“Honor widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

—I Timothy 5:3-8

     Families are meant to take care of one another.  As parents raise their children and those children go on to have families of their own, the parents continue into old age and the majority of seniors need care in some form or fashion.  The parents have invested so much love expressed in time, resources, sacrifice, and hard work to raise their children, Paul says here that children should give back and take care of their folks.  “Make some return to their parents.”  Parents should receive a return on their investment and the apostle writes that this shows affords the children an opportunity to put godliness on display with how they care for their aging parents and God is pleased when His children take care of one another.

     All throughout the Scriptures, work ethic is held in high regard.  It is an essential part of one’s faith to work hard in order to provide the best life possible for his or her family.  Wages are to be used to contribute to the work of the church’s ministry, provide for the immediate family and those in need in the extended family and the community.  God blesses us with the strength and intellect we need to work.  We honor Him in giving our tithes and offerings, taking care of those we are responsible for, and sharing with those He leads us to.  We are blessed in order to be a blessing to others.  This life of responsibility and generosity honors God. 

“Lord God, You are the Creator and Sustainer of all things.  Thank You for Your goodness and mercy to us.  We are so grateful for the abundance that comes from Your hand.  Please continue to give us the strength and health we need to serve You and provide for our families.  Bless those in Your eternal family who are diligent in following the wisdom of Your Word.  In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray these things.  Amen.”

Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

—Ephesians 4:28

For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”

—II Thessalonians 3:10

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

—Proverbs 16:3

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

—Acts 20:35