Life has various issues facing individuals daily. One inevitable part is that in a husband and
wife relationship, one is likely to pass away before the other.
It is like having a hand severed from the body by a butcher’s knife-a very painful loss.
So who is the widow?
A widow is a woman whose husband has died, and a remarriage is a marriage that takes place
after one partner becomes a widow. Widowhood and remarriage can present unique
challenges.
The challenges faced by widows include
-Grief: it is the natural process of reacting to the death of a loved one. It can be very severe
and last a long time.
-Loneliness: This can be a common problem for widows, especially if they have lost their
spouse after many years of marriage. There are some others, like rejection, which could be
temporary, and loss of self-esteem.
When a spouse dies, the bereaved partner is left to rebuild their life. Finding one’s feet again
can be complicated for many reasons, but one of the most common challenges is finding
someone with whom to share that life. Remarrying can be a way for a widow or widower to
start over and build a new life.
When remarrying, there are many things to consider, such as finances, children, and estate
planning. It is essential to understand remarriage’s legal and financial implications before
making decisions.
The Bible and the remarriage of widows?
The Bible is clear about the sanctity of marriage. There is no ambiguity in the Bible that God
hates divorce.
So, what does the Bible say about remarrying widows?
Different scriptures appear to offer advice on this topic, but one stands out. For example, 1
Corinthians 7:39 says, “A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her
husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord. “
However, in his letter to the Corinthian church, Paul the Apostle writes that he thinks the
woman should be happier if she stays as she is.
Here are things to consider if you think of remarrying a widow.
In your assessment, marrying her must be for the right reasons. You should not have matched
the widow just because you felt sorry for her or thought she was lonely. The widow should be
someone you love and care for and who loves and cares for you in return.
Are Widows Free To Remarry?
The answer to this question is a little more than a simple yes or no. It depends on the culture
and the specific situation of each widow. Generally speaking, however, most societies believe
that widows should be free to remarry if they please.
Each situation is different and the decision must be made based on the individual
circumstances. Some widows may feel free to remarry, while others may not. It is up to each
woman to decide what is best for her and her family.
However, the Bible is clear that a widow is free to remarry after her husband dies. She is not
obligated to remain unmarried or to return to her father’s house. 1 Corinthians 7:39 says, “A
woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. If he dies, she is free to marry anyone she
wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.”
Apostle Paul shows that there are two classes of widows: those under 60 years and those above
that. He calls them younger and older widows in faith, but clearly says in I Timothy 5:5 that
they are those that should be regarded as widow indeed. At 60 and above, the Apostle in verse
9, he counsels that a pious righteous woman would be taken in as a widow.
Incidentally, younger widows are expected to settle down quickly so that they would not be
tempted to sin against God and tarnish the image of the church through immoral tendencies.
Caring for the Widow
If the older widow or the widow as divided by Apostle Paul, would want to stay without getting
remarried, the Bible points various ways in which she is cared for. They are to be honored,
visited, provided for, and not be afflicted in any way for the Lord says he will hear them when
they cry unto the Lord as a result of oppression.
Farmers are supposed to make provisions for them during and after harvest; not every crop in
the farm should be harvested as commanded by the Lord.
In all, whether the older or younger widow wishes to marry, the Lord does not have any
commandment against their remarriage.