Forget self esteem: it is a lie and delusion. The correct virtue is humility.

Humility is not being lousy at something and glorying in it. It is doing things well and not boasting about them.

And the context gives the others very simply: it is members of the church. You think of them above yourself. For most of us, that is our local congregation. We are limited in our wisdom and in our ability to love. A congregation is generally around 20 to 50 families: that we can handle.

The duties we have, when it comes to provision are clear. Families should look after their own. This includes encouraging widows to remarry or return to their parental home. (Widows are not divorcees, and extending this may be unwise). A man who does not provide for his family and relies on charity is in sin, unless he is disabled: even then he should do the work he can. For he who does not work should not eat.

Then we should care for those in our congregation who are without resources (widows and orphans) and the poor, the infirm and sick. Locally. I think this is best done through the church as that means there is a central place to gather things, and but one storehouse to defend from those who would empty it — be they ravening gangs or the tax man.

Beyond that, I recommend that (when it comes to giving) that the elders and deacons within the church make corporate decisions. There are many charities out there that do more harm than good — including some within the church.