James 1:27
27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
It’s not hard to imagine the sad life of the orphan. We need a place to go to for love, safety, and to know who we are. God gave parents as a primary means for that basic level of support. It’s enough to make your heart break when you think about a little child forced to find those things for him or herself.
The Scripture makes another clear argument for why we should care for the orphan: you are, or were, one too. You and I have been cut off from God as our source of security, identity, and love. The miracle of Jesus is that God didn’t leave us as orphans. He came to find us and adopt us so we could be together forever. Spend time this morning in reflection and gratitude so that you are ready to care for orphans like you.
Prayer prompt: Lord, teach me to remember the way you saved me so I will trust that you still love me.