When it comes to the Old Testament concept of "gleaning" we find a healthy perspective here. Provided they were able, the poor did the work themselves - and thereby were neither robbed of their dignity nor made irresponsible by a system requiring no work. The special tithe taken at the end of every third year went to the poor, including the Levites, travellers, the fatherless, and widows. It did not include able-bodied adults who simply preferred not to work.
As churches lead in this area, there needs to be developed a screening process that is not impersonal or dehumanizing but that accurately determines whether a person is in need and if so why.
Honor widows who are really widows.- 1 Timothy 5:3The church needs to let the family take the lead and responsibility that belong to them as well.
If a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn their religious duty to their own family and make some repayment to their parents; for this is pleasing in God’s sight. The real widow, left alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day - I Timothy 5:4-5
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