Drop Ninety-Four

1 Timothy 5:3-4

“Honor widows who are widows indeed; but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God” (NASB1995).

Piety is a word that has confused me for most of my life. Even today, I looked up the definition to clarify the meaning as I have always associated it with being prideful and/or insincere – which is not far from the Cambridge Dictionary definition of pious. Easton’s Bible Dictionary defines piety from the Latin language meaning “properly honour and respect toward parents” (https://wwwbiblestudytools.com/dictionary/piety). OurBibleHeritage.com states, “Piety, derived from the Latin word ‘pietas,’ broadly means devotion, duty, and loyalty. It refers to a deep-seated reverence for God and a commitment to living in alignment with His will. . . piety isn’t just about outward expressions; it signifies an internal disposition that seeks to honor God through faith and actions.” Which transitions piety from a characteristic to avoid, to a calling. Serving God through devotion and reverence equips us to love respect each other. May we choose to be a God fearing pleasing people rather than “people pleasers”.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for loving us. Thank You for creating us to love You. May we be so devoted to You internally others will know of Your presence in our lives. May we forgive others as You forgive us so we can love others as You love us. May the Holy Spirit fill us to overflowing, cleansing us from all unrighteousness.

In the name of Jesus we pray,

AMEN