Viúvas
A Bíblia revela um cuidado especial de Deus pelas viúvas. Ao longo das Escrituras, encontramos mandamentos claros de proteção, justiça e compaixão, refletindo o caráter amoroso do Senhor.
A proteção divina
Deus se apresenta como defensor das viúvas, garantindo que não fiquem desamparadas. Ele acolhe os que sofrem e sustenta os que perderam seu amparo terreno.
4 Sing to God, sing praises to his name: extol him who rides upon the heavens by his name, Jehovah, and rejoice before him.5 In his holy habitation God is a father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows.
9 Jehovah protects the strangers. He supports the fatherless and the widow, but he overthrows the way of the wicked.
12 »This is because I delivered the poor who cried, and the orphan who had no helper.13 »The blessing of the wretched came upon me. I caused the widows heart to sing for joy.
Justiça e compaixão
A Palavra ordena que seu povo pratique a justiça, protegendo os mais frágeis e defendendo a causa dos necessitados.
9 Open your mouth and judge righteously. Plead the cause of the poor and needy.
9 »Jehovah of Hosts has spoken: Every man should execute true judgment, and show kindness and compassion to his brother!10 »Do not oppress the widow. Do not oppress the fatherless. Do not oppress the stranger and do not oppress the poor. And you should not devise evil in your heart against your brother.
22 »Do not mistreat any widow or orphan.23 »If you do, I, Jehovah, will answer them when they cry out to me for help,24 and I will become angry and kill you in war. Your wives will become widows, and your children will be fatherless.
17 »Learn to do good wellright. Seek justice. Correct oppressors. Defend orphans. Plead the case of widows.«
O chamado da Igreja
No Novo Testamento, o cuidado com as viúvas é expressão genuína da fé cristã. Tiago declara que a religião pura inclui visitar os necessitados.
27 Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for the fatherless persons and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself without spot from the world.
3 Honor widows that are truly widows.