What does 1 Timothy 5:4 mean?
The first phrase, regarding children or grandchildren, is not about whether family members are believers, but whether a widow has living family who can help care for their needs. Immediate family is always the first recommended step for assistance to widows in the church. This is true whether the widowed woman's help comes from a child—either a son or daughter who is old enough to provide help—or a grandchild. Later verses will point out that Christian believers are particularly obligated to care for their families (1 Timothy 5:8)Again, the concept of "godliness" is mentioned in connection with serving others. Here the specific context is that of widows. The purpose of encouraging family to care for their elders is so that children and grandchildren can repay the investment made into their own young lives. According to this verse, "this is pleasing in the sight of God." This idea of "pleasing" is the same one Paul uses in 1 Timothy 2:3 regarding prayer for all people, including kings and governing authorities.