James 1:27

The reason the early church took special care of orphans and widows is because in that culture these were amongst the most marginalized groups in society, and thus in the church. A dead husband/father meant the sole means of income and protection were gone. In this spirit, every church in every culture needs to be in touch with the marginalized of their world. Who is the group that is being oppressed or ignored or the object of injustice? Who keeps slipping through the cracks with no safety net? In the modern, western context that may include the homeless or the addicted. It may include the struggling single mom or the lonely elderly widow/widower. It certainly also includes the church in the prosperous west supporting the poor or persecuted church in other parts of the world. Every believer and every church should be intentionally and generously engaged in such “pure religion.” 

PASSAGE: James 1:27 - "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."

PAUSE: Faith in action means taking care of the less fortunate. James, Jesus' brother, encouraged and challenged the early church to take care of orphans and widows. Ask God to show you ways to help the less fortunate. 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, grant me the ability to put my faith into action. Please open my eyes to see the misfortunes of others in my community.