Giving Materially

Those who serve God know that it is important to provide materially for close family members.  The apostle Paul admonished: "If anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially  for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith." -1 Timothy 5:8.

Tunji and Joy live in West Africa.  Though hard-pressed financially, they invited joy's elderly parents to move in with them.  The father was ill and eventually died. Tunji reflects:  "When Papa died, Mama hugged my wife and said:  'You did all that was humanly possible.  In no way should you feel any guilt for Papa's death.'  Though we miss Papa, we know we bought the best medicine for him and always tried  to make him feel wanted and needed; we did our best to meet our God-given responsibility.  That satisfaction is there."

Of course, not everyone is in a position to help other materially. Said a man who lives in Nigeria:  "If a man cannot fend for himself, how then can he fend for another person?" In many lands the situation may even worsen in the years to come. According to a United Nations forecast, soon half the population of sub-Saharan Africa will be living in absolute poverty. 

If you find yourself in poor economic circumstances, you may take comfort from the true story of a need widow.  When Jesus  was on earth, he observed a widow make a small donation to the temple treasury.  She gave only  "two small coins of very little value." Still, knowing her situation, Jesus said:  "I tell you truthfully, This widow, although poor, dropped in more than they all did.  For all these dropped in gifts out of their surplus, but this woman out of her want dropped in all the means of living she had." - Luke 21:1-4. 

Similarly, if we do our best in caring for our parents or grandparents materially, though it may be little, Jehovah observes and appreciates that.  He does not expect us to do beyond what we are able to do. Probably our parents or grandparents will feel likewise. 

Next time: Giving Emotionally

From the Watchtower magazine, 1997