The Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. (Acts 6:1)
Expanded Passage: Acts 6:1
A certain family was having a financial problem. One day Joyce, a member of that family, went to visit a nearby widow who was forgotten. She was so empty inside with no children around. Although Joyce didn’t have a thing to give that widow, she decided to help her do some cleaning and other chores, and then they read the Bible together. Joyce didn’t know that by doing so, she was giving more than just a few hours of her time. She gave the neglected widow a new hope and happiness.
Sometimes giving is not about money or material things. Sometimes even spending time with those who are lonely is enough to give hope and happiness to a neighbor. Even this is considered an offering to God. How many times do we neglect helping a person in need or giving a favor just because we feel we don’t have enough to offer? Your time and energy go beyond giving money or material things. We can act for God’s glory.
This story from the days of the early church reminds us about the importance of looking after people in need. The story stresses the importance of not overlooking the few while feeding the many.
Let’s cultivate a giving mindset by helping anyone in need in any way we can. We should reflect God’s love in our service of others.
Look for ways to give to someone in need.
Irene Semu Ndosi is from Tanzania and holds a diploma in education with religious studies and a degree in biblical counseling.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
