What does the Bible say about the church's responsibility to care for widows?

In 1 Timothy 5:3-16, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the church's responsibility to care for widows, particularly those who have been widowed through no fault of their own. He encourages families to assist their own widows first to alleviate the burden on the church. This teaching underscores the importance of community and familial support, as it was common for widows to be left destitute without modern social safety nets. Paul points out that those widows who genuinely need assistance are to be supported by the church, ensuring it's the church's duty to care for the vulnerable members of society as an expression of God's grace and mercy.