Paul’s words to Timothy indicate to us that the church is a family united in Christ. Those of us who come from dysfunctional families may not think this is such a great thing for our families are less than ideal and some are downright abusive. Yet the instructions Paul conveys regarding relationships with different members, the elderly, church leaders and widows all indicate to us that brothers (and sisters) in the Lord ought to treat each other with compassion, love and respect at all times. There is no place for high-handed criticism, gossip, anger, or backbiting. While it is sometimes necessary to rebuke those who are in error or have sinned in some public manner that threatens the testimony of the church, this should never be undertaken hastily, or without corroborating evidence or in a way that denigrates an individual. Rebukes and church discipline should never be carried out because of jealousy, spite, envy or with a sense of self-righteous indignation but with the goal of forgiveness and restoration.
The teaching regarding widows may seem odd to us who live in a welfare state in which we expect the government to care for the poor, the elderly and widows. Yet in ancient times, although widows made up the bulk of the needy and the destitute, no one cared for them. They could not usually earn a decent living by work. Their children and relatives, if any, felt no moral responsibility to do so. That is why so many widows were attracted to the church. They were accepted and treated with respect and kindness. In the church, as Paul insists, their believing children had a duty to care for them. But if there were no such relatives, they either remarried or if they were too old to do so, they were put on a list and supported by their fellow believers. The church had a duty to care for them but they in turn must never be idle. As a result these widows rose to prominence in the early church for they served as models and teachers for the younger women, were diligent in prayer and zealous in doing good deeds.
Theophany: Meeting With God in His Word 