Widows and Orphans

 You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child.
Exodus 22:22

You shall not pervert justice due the stranger or the fatherless, nor take a widow's garment as a pledge.
Deuteronomy 24:17

Learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.
Isaiah 1:17

idows and orphans are always to be protected and loved by the church. We can see the natural tendency of man to neglect those who are weaker or especially considered lesser, such as widows and orphans. As shown in the passages above, as well as many others, God was not neutral on His position of the necessity of the church to care for their members.

Unfortunately, we have become so accustomed to allowing the government to take over this responsibility, that it is often neglected by Christians. It is true that in Bible times, widows did not have very many options for providing for their families like they are able to today. However, that still does not negate the responsibility of the church and all Christians today to look out for the welfare of their neighbors, especially widows and orphans.

It is our duty, in whatever capacity we are able, to defend the cause of those who cannot defend themselves. If you are a lawyer, make sure that even those who lack the ability to pay the huge attorney fees do not lack justice. If you are a doctor, don't forget the many that lack medical care because they cannot afford it. We have a group of doctors in our area who provide free medical care on Saturday mornings for those not able to pay for it themselves. As a matter of fact, no matter what your circumstances find ways that your family can be involved in the care of someone around you who has special needs.

Along with this, don't neglect missionaries. Our family helps support a missionary couple and their family. It's just a small way that we can be involved in their ministry. When they are home on furlough, we usually are able to spend an evening together. This has really helped my children get to know the family and to keep up with their lives.

As Christians, God calls us to be aware of the needs of those around us and to help provide justice for them in whatever capacity we are able to. Remember, this world is not our home; we are looking forward to eternity in our real home in Heaven with the Lord. Eternity with the Lord does not begin the day we die, it begins the moment we become Christians.

Pray today that God will help you to begin living that eternal life right now; that your focus now is not on things of this world, but rather on things from above, including caring for those around you who are needy.