Cross Mission Media

As the war broke out in Ukraine, local churches became hubs of hope. Pastors delivered aid, opened sanctuaries, and preached peace in the middle of chaos.

In times of crisis, the Church shines brightest. Let’s pray for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine—and be ready to be the Church wherever there’s need.

James 1:27 defines pure religion as caring for the needy, including widows and orphans, and avoiding the corruption of the world. 

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world.  (James 1:27, MEV)

1 Timothy 5:3-8 This passage addresses the care of widows, emphasizing the importance of honoring them and, in some cases, providing for their needs through family support, rather than relying solely on the church. 

³ Honor widows that are widows indeed. ⁴ But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety at home and to repay their parents. For this is good and acceptable before God. ⁵ Now she who is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusts in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. ⁶ But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. ⁷ And these things command, that they may be blameless. ⁸ But if any do not care for their own, and especially for those of their own house, they have denied the faith and are worse than unbelievers.  (1 Timothy 5:3–8, MEV)

1 Timothy 5:9-12 This section discusses the role of widows who have served faithfully in the church and are now in need of support. 

⁹ Do not let a widow be counted unless she is over sixty years old, has been the wife of one man, ¹⁰ is well attested in good works, if she has brought up children, has lodged strangers, has washed the saints’ feet, has relieved the afflicted, and has diligently followed every good work.

¹¹ But refuse the younger widows, for when their sensual desires have drawn them away from Christ, they want to marry, ¹² and bring judgment on themselves, because they have cast off their first pledge. (1 Timothy 5:9–12, MEV)