Widow Defined
The Bible has a lot to say about caring for widows. Widows were among the most vulnerable groups in ancient societies, and GOD calls His people to look after them.
We should know what a widow is… a woman who has lost her spouse by death and has not remarried.
The Bible makes great intent to mention the proper etiquette for the poor (often a stranger in the land), widows and orphans. What do they all have in common? They are unable to support themselves.
Have you ever heard of the “widowhood effect”? It is said to be “a phenomenon in which older people who have lost a spouse have an increased risk of dying themselves.” This risk is highest during the first three months following the death of a spouse. Possible causes of the widowhood effect may include self-neglect, lack of a support network, and lifestyle changes that follow the death of a spouse.
The widowhood effect reflects that the death of a spouse is a highly stressful life event that increases the chance of negative health events like heart attacks in the surviving person. Widows need to be looked after, supported (in numerous ways) and cared for.
The term widow is mentioned over 100 times in all Canonized Scripture. The portion below gives us a rather detailed description of who a widow is:
1 Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, and to the younger men as brothers, 2 to the older women as mothers, and to the younger women as sisters, in all purity.
3 Honor widows who are actually widows; 4 but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show proper respect for their own family and to give back compensation to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God. 5 Now she who is actually a widow and has been left alone has set her hope on GOD, and she continues in requests and prayers night and day. 6 However, she who indulges herself in luxury is dead, even while she lives. 7 Give these instructions as well, so that they may be above reproach. 8 If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
9 A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, 10 having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work. 11 Refuse to register younger widows, for when they feel physical desires alienating them from the Messiah, they want to get married, 12 thereby incurring condemnation, because they have ignored their previous pledge. 13 At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also, they become gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention. 14 Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, have children, manage their households, and give the enemy no opportunity for reproach; 15 for some have already turned away to follow Satan. 16 If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are actually widows” -- 1 Timothy 5:1-16
NOTE: At 60 she is likely to have sons (children) – they are required to take care of her. This renders her ineligible to be on the Widows Support List.
At 60 she is likely to not be able to marry or desire to marry.
At 60 she is unable to provide for her own well-being.
At 60, she is not likely to naturally desire sexual things.