Helping The Widows And Orphans

James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Hey everyone! I am feeling like tackling this one, but I'm not exactly sure where to start. In your opinions, what is the most efficient way to help the widows and orphans? What do they need, and what various ways can we help them?
 
James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Hey everyone! I am feeling like tackling this one, but I'm not exactly sure where to start. In your opinions, what is the most efficient way to help the widows and orphans? What do they need, and what various ways can we help them?

I've been thinking about this concept lately as well, although through another similar verse:
"But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice...'" Mat 9:13

Everyone "in their trouble" will have somewhat different trouble, so somewhat different needs as well. In our modern situation, "widows and orphans" are ubiquitous. Even if a parent may not literally be dead, if a parent abandons their family, the effect is the same. Where there are single parent situations, the need is often obvious: single parents can need many types of support. The fatherless/motherless need those roles filled.

People will use their own gifts to find ways to serve people's needs. Some may be generous with their money and other resources, others with their time. Some may be gifted at offering emotional support, some may be gifted at offering more direct practical support: yardwork, help with transportation and errands, etc. Some families may adopt or foster kids. Some families may offer respite to single parents or foster parents. Some people may commit to being a "big brother" or "big sister" to kids in crisis. Some of us may be teachers or other community members who simply encounter hurting kids and parents in their daily job, and chose to show mercy, patience, compassion and understanding. I worked for a retreat center once that offered a free annual spa weekend, with childcare, for single parents and foster parents. Each of us will feel compelled to meet the needs of those in trouble in many different ways. Often times, the needs of people in distress are very complex, and there is no efficient way to meet those needs; only things that demonstrate love and mercy, and things that don't.
 
James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Hey everyone! I am feeling like tackling this one, but I'm not exactly sure where to start. In your opinions, what is the most efficient way to help the widows and orphans? What do they need, and what various ways can we help them?

The point of James 1:27 is that selflessness is religion undefiled. Not just helping orphans and widows. It could have read 'helping the elderly and homeless is religion undefiled'.

It is easy to overlook the 'in their trouble'. It is not just any orphan or widow but those in need. Helping is anywhere from changing a light bulb to ensuring their rent is paid.

Just extra thoughts on this verse. The 'keep' oneself unspotted is a verb. This all is religion undefiled. Religion is the second commandment to us....actively loving our neighbour as ourselves and dealing with / taking accountability for our sin. Christianity has the first commandment, which is to love God. Which can only be done with Jesus.
 
If you know someone is suffering in some way and you are able to help (not to the demise of your family, for that also is required) you ought to do what you can...be the Christ moment for them...
 
James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Hey everyone! I am feeling like tackling this one, but I'm not exactly sure where to start. In your opinions, what is the most efficient way to help the widows and orphans? What do they need, and what various ways can we help them?

This is fantastic. God is definitely working with you opening your heart. The more you let God into your heart the more he will give new ways for you to help and the more you will see the needs. You might want to donate to or volunteer at an orphanage in your area, or ask some churches or homeless shelters if they know of a special need for widows and orphans.

You might want to become a big brother if you feel ready for a commitment of time with a young person. Although not orphans these children are from poverty homes where one of the parents might be incarcerated.

This is a link to the Inland Empire one:

http://www.bbbs.org/site/c.9iILI3NG...g_Brother8212give_a_Little_something_back.htm

May God always be real to you, blessing you with great love, joy, and peace in your endeavors.
http://www.bbbs.org/site/c.9iILI3NG...g_Brother8212give_a_Little_something_back.htm
 
If you know someone is suffering in some way and you are able to help (not to the demise of your family, for that also is required) you ought to do what you can...be the Christ moment for them...

Blessings

I knelt to pray when day was done
And prayed, "O Lord, bless everyone,
Lift from each saddened heart the pain
And let the sick be well again."

And then I woke another day
And carelessly went on my way,
The whole day long I did not try
To wipe a tear from any eye.
I did not try to share the load
Of any brother on the road.

I did not even go to see
The sick man just next door to me.
Yet once again when day was done
I prayed, "O Lord, bless everyone."

But as I prayed, into my ear
There came a voice that whispered clear,
"Pause now, my son, before you pray.
Whom have you tried to bless today?

Gods sweetest blessing always go
By hands that serve him here below."
And then I hid my face and cried,
"Forgive me, God, I have not tried,
But let me live another day
And I will live the way I pray."
 
If you know someone is suffering in some way and you are able to help (not to the demise of your family, for that also is required) you ought to do what you can...be the Christ moment for them...

Blessings

I knelt to pray when day was done
And prayed, "O Lord, bless everyone,
Lift from each saddened heart the pain
And let the sick be well again."

And then I woke another day
And carelessly went on my way,
The whole day long I did not try
To wipe a tear from any eye.
I did not try to share the load
Of any brother on the road.

I did not even go to see
The sick man just next door to me.
Yet once again when day was done
I prayed, "O Lord, bless everyone."

But as I prayed, into my ear
There came a voice that whispered clear,
"Pause now, my son, before you pray.
Whom have you tried to bless today?

Gods sweetest blessing always go
By hands that serve him here below."
And then I hid my face and cried,
"Forgive me, God, I have not tried,
But let me live another day
And I will live the way I pray."
 
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