Living in Faith by providing for family

'Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.’


                                                                                                                                 (1 Timothy 5:8)


There is a very interesting verse that addresses the responsibility we have towards our family, especially our own household.

I feel prompted to share this message because I have seen many situations where parents would run away from providing for their children and direct relatives.

Do not be fooled…by refusing to provide for their children or direct relatives in need, many people have placed themselves under a curse. The Bible states that such stingy people are worse than unbelievers.


Now, we know that unbelievers are headed to Hell and they are excluded from most promises of the Bible. If it is the case, then what about the person considered as ‘worse than an unbeliever?’ A person worse than an unbeliever will end up in Hell. For example, a ‘deadbeat’ father, with the ability to work and provide and who never provided for his children, will end up in Hell. Because such a person is worse than an unbeliever.


Furthermore, a person refusing to provide for his/her family has denied the faith. It means that they automatically reject the power that Faith holds to perform wonders, signs and miracles. This can explain why so many people are living powerless lives in this current age.

Let me clarify what should constitute your household: ‘ the household is made of your children, and your spouse if you are married’. Providing for your household is a non-negotiable requirement.


Family includes all the people that are directly related to us by blood or by alliance (through marriage). This would include parents, parents in-law, brother-sisters, nephews, cousins and in-laws. The family outside of the household can be helped when they are genuinely in need. I say this because many of them won’t necessarily need help since they would probably be working and have incomes.

However, older parents that are vulnerable (this will include the parents in-laws) must always be helped. I refer to the following Scriptures: ‘Exodus 20:12 and Matthew 15:5-6’.


By providing for your household, by providing for your vulnerable parents and by providing for your extended family when they are in need, you are positioning yourself to live a faith that manifests power.