Practice ‘Pure’ Religion – Take Care of Widows & Orphans

James 1:27 & John 14:18

Want To Make God Happy? Take Care of Widows & Orphans

Soul Food

James 1:27 (NIV)

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

John 14:15-18 (NIV)

“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”

Soul Search

• Why do you think God values and looks fondly on the practice of taking care of widows and orphans? 

• Scripture is clear about God’s delight in people taking care of widows and orphans.
  What does that tell you about God’s character and nature?

• Have you ever helped a widow or orphans out in some way?
  What did you do?

• Who do you know who is widowed?
  Who do you know who has been orphaned or who has lost at least one parent?
  What ideas do you have for helping these individuals?

Soul Moves

• Start a list of widows – and yes, even widowers – who you know.

• If you don’t know first-hand what needs these people might have, make inquiries with people you know who might be close enough to let you know what their needs are.

• Start a list of children who have been orphaned or who have lost a parent.
  Ask God to show you how you might be able to help them.

• Ask God to show you and those you are close to – a spouse, a partner, a friend or close family member – a plan for how you can best help these people and then act on it.