Every day we hear of the horrors that abused children and spouses suffer. We don’t necessarily hear of the families that have been abandoned by a spouse and parent. We only catch glimpses of family members who are neglected and ignored by other relatives. These stories are endless and pervasive.
God has some harsh words for those who won’t meet the physical, mental, and emotional needs of their families. I Timothy 5:8 says, “But those who won’t care for their own relatives, especially those living in the same household, have denied what we believe. Such people are worse than unbelievers.” God will judge harshly anyone who doesn’t care for the needs of his or her own relatives. The primary responsibility for family care falls on relatives, not the government or even the church. That is not to say that government and the church cannot or should not provide assistance as needed, but rather to say that we must do all we can to meet the needs of our families.
Reluctant Retiree 