3 Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.

So, what's the need?

In these verses, Paul begins with the blanket statement, "Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need." If there really is a need, do something about it! Don't ignore it and hope it goes away - find a solution, Timothy - just like they did in Acts 6. And do it without compromising their dignity.

And then you deal with, "who are really in need." Something like a means test. Do they really need assistance? And who should that assistance come from?

Throughout many years of dealing with people in need, the principle I always used was to err on the side of generosity. Sure, you will get ripped off sometimes, but if you're afraid of getting taken advantage of occasionally, you will end up never helping anybody. And besides - if they are taking something they are not entitled to, that's on them.