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5 WAYS TO CARE FOR WIDOWS AND ORPHANS
READ: James 1:27 | HABIT: Service
God, says James, accepts two evidences of religion:“ pure and faultless,” inner purity and acts of compassion toward the most vulnerable members of society( Jas 1:27). Christians are to model Jesus in both his purity and his service to those in need. Just as God comes to the aid of those in need, those who practice true religion“ look after” two of the most vulnerable groups, orphans and widows.
Here are five simple ways to look after widows and orphans:
1. Recognize them— While we often think of an“ orphan” as a child who has lost both parents, the term can also include loss of one parent or abandonment in general. Similarly, while single parents who have not lost a spouse through death are not technically widowed, they often face similar problems and are deserving of our compassion.
2. Look after them— Christ used the word for“ look after” in Matthew 25:43 to describe the ministry of caring for those in prison. 1 Obeying this appeal calls for more than just donating money or an occasional visit; it requires we devote ourselves to them with personal concern.
3. Provide relief for widows— Being a widow or single parent can often be lonely and exhausting because they have
Just as God comes to the aid of those in need, those who practice true religion“ look after” two of the most vulnerable groups, orphans and widows.
to do the work of a couple all by themselves. Providing relief can be as simple as taking them a meal, helping them shop for groceries or babysitting so they can get some rest. Find one way to help them regularly.
4. Spend time with orphans— Boys need men who can exhibit biblical masculinity and girls need women to demonstrate biblical femininity. Be a role model by spending time with a child just being a model of Christ’ s love. Make a commitment to spend regular time with them. As Kimberly Kuo says,“ Orphaned kids are more needy than most, and that need doesn’ t expire. Yes, God is their heavenly Father, but they also need the hands and feet of the church.” 2
5. Incorporate them into your life— The most helpful way we can look after widows and orphans is to incorporate them into our own lives and our families. Make an effort to include them in your regular activities.
PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY: Looking after widows and orphans requires we exhibit personal concern for their plight.
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