Jehovah Protects Widows (15 mins.) Discussion with the audience.
Use the research tools available in your language to find one or two Bible accounts that mention a widow. How do these stories show us that Jehovah loves and protects widows?
These stories show us that Jehovah loves widows very much and cares deeply for them.
The widow of Sarepta (1 Kings 17:9). In this account, she used the last handful of flour and the little oil she had to feed the prophet Elijah. Jehovah made sure that she and her son had food during the drought and, later, even brought her son back to life. This shows us that Jehovah’s protection covers both material needs and family comfort.
The widow who came to Elisha (2 Kings 4:1-7). In this account, she desperately turns to the prophet Elisha because a creditor threatens to take her two sons into slavery to collect a debt. Jehovah helped her pay her debts and provide for her sons by multiplying a small amount of oil until it filled dozens of containers. In this way, the widow was able to pay all her debts and obtain enough money to live with dignity along with her sons.
Ruth and Naomi (Book of Ruth). In this account, Naomi returns home destitute and heartbroken after losing her husband and two sons, accompanied by her daughter-in-law Ruth, who demonstrated her loyalty by saying: “For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” Through his laws and the generosity of Boaz, Jehovah provided them with sustenance, protection, and a family.
The widow of Nain (Luke 7:11-17). In this story, Jesus perfectly reflected his Father's love by being moved by the plight of a mother who had just lost her only son, leaving her utterly destitute. Without being asked, Jesus raised the young man from the dead, thus giving the mother back not only her beloved son but also security and protection for the future.
The widow of the offering (Mark 12:42-44). In this account, a very poor widow puts her only two coins, of very little value, into the temple. Jesus publicly commended this action, thus demonstrating that Jehovah deeply values and dignifies widows for their sincere devotion, and that they never go unnoticed by him.
These stories demonstrate that Jehovah not only sees the needs of widows, but also cares for them, protects them, and deeply values their faith and devotion.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
An example is the widow of Sarepta. Although she had very little food left, Jehovah ensured that the flour and oil did not run out, so that she and her son could eat. Later, when the child died, Jehovah resurrected him through Elijah. This teaches us that Jehovah cares as much about widows’ needs as he cares about their pain and feelings.
Another story is that of the widow who came to Elisha because a creditor wanted to take her two sons as slaves. Jehovah multiplied the oil she had. It is noteworthy that this help also allowed her to continue providing for her sons. This shows how much he cared about their well-being.
These accounts encourage us to imitate Jehovah. A sister who has lost her husband may need us to listen to her, to keep her company, or to help her with something practical. We can ask her what she needs and continue to check on her over time. In this way, we can help her feel Jehovah’s love and care.
What do these stories teach us as a whole?
These accounts teach us that Jehovah cares deeply for widows and is not indifferent to their needs. He listens to their pleas, helps them in times of difficulty, protects them, and values their faith and devotion. They also teach us that his care is practical and tailored to each person's circumstances, demonstrating that, for Jehovah, no one who trusts in him goes unnoticed.
Play the video "Despite losing my husband, I am happy again." Then ask:
What does this video teach you about how Jehovah cares for and protects widows today?
The video teaches me that Jehovah cares for and protects widows in a very personal way. He understands their pain, sadness, and fears, and he comforts and strengthens them through prayer. He also uses the congregation as a support network, through the elders and brothers, who can provide companionship, listen to them, and offer emotional support. Therefore, it is important that they do not isolate themselves but continue to draw close to Jehovah and the congregation, trusting that he will not abandon them.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It teaches me that Jehovah understands the pain of widows and does not leave them alone when they lose their husbands. Through the Bible, he comforts them and reminds them that they have a beautiful hope for the future. They can also feel his love through the brothers and sisters who listen to them, accompany them, and show interest in them. Although the pain does not disappear overnight, Jehovah gives them strength to keep going and, little by little, to once again enjoy happy times.
It is striking to see the sister studying the Bible and participating in the preaching work. This makes us realize that staying close to Jehovah can be a great help when we experience loss. There may be days when a widow feels weak, but reading the Bible and sharing her hope with others can give her encouragement and a sense of purpose. Being able to feel happy again does not mean she has forgotten her husband. She can continue to love him and, at the same time, enjoy the good things she has now.
Seeing our sister enjoying the company of other sisters reminds us that we can be part of the help Jehovah gives to widows. It doesn't always take saying something special. Sometimes, simply listening patiently, sharing a meal, or inviting them to an activity can do them a world of good. We should also keep in touch with them over time, because loneliness can continue long after the loss. In this way, we show them that we love them and that they continue to have an important place in the congregation.
How can we honor widows today?
We can honor widows by offering them emotional support and constant companionship, listening to them patiently and without judging their grief. We can also include them in our activities and be attentive to their practical needs, offering help with household chores, transportation, or shopping. If any of them are in genuine material need, we can contribute to ensuring their basic needs are met with dignity. And above all, we can value their spiritual maturity, respect their experience, ask for their advice, and encourage them to share their experiences and their faith.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We can honor widows by treating them with respect, affection, and consideration. This means showing interest in how they are feeling, listening to them patiently, and including them in our activities so they do not feel alone. We can also help them in practical ways, such as with shopping, transportation to meetings, or household chores. And if they are in need and have no one to support them, we can give them material assistance according to our means. In this way, we demonstrate by our actions that they are precious to Jehovah and to us.
It is noteworthy that honoring widows also includes providing them with material assistance. This teaches us that it is not enough to simply tell them we love them. We must be attentive to their needs. Perhaps a sister has difficulty buying food or getting around, and she is embarrassed to ask for help. We can take the initiative and offer her something concrete, but always with tact and respect for her dignity, without making her feel like a burden.
The expression “continue to honor” reminds us that our interest should be sustained over time. After her husband passes away, a sister may receive much support, but months or years later she may still need companionship and affection. We can continue to call her, visit her, and invite her to preach or share a meal. Furthermore, honoring her involves valuing her experience and listening to her feedback so that she feels she has much to contribute to the congregation.
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