Restart: Compassion and JusticeSample

ORPHANS

No person is more powerless or more needy than orphans, especially babies and young children separated from or abandoned by their parents. When we see images of crying children standing in the rubble in a war zone or scavenging for food in a city dump, our hearts break. That’s how God feels, and throughout Scripture we find his expressions of concern for these precious creations of his.

He cares for them, and he wants his people to share his love and concern. He also wants us to realize that regardless of our earthly family history, we also were orphans—spiritually—totally alone and lost, save for his mercy and grace. Then, through faith in Christ, we were adopted into his family—brought home to our loving Father (see Romans 8:14–17 and Ephesians 1:3–8).

As we gratefully remember our former situation as orphans and present status as adopted sons and daughters in God’s family, we should translate that gratitude into action. At the least, this means praying for the orphans we see and learn about. It may also mean supporting a Christian adoption agency financially or with our time. And in some cases, it may mean welcoming foster children into our homes or expanding our family circles through adoption.

These children need us.

What difference does knowing you were chosen by God make in your relationship with him? What do you enjoy as God’s adopted son or daughter?

You can begin to reflect God’s love and care for orphans through your prayers and gifts. You may consider volunteering for a mentoring program. Check with your church about the Christian adoption agencies in your community and denomination. Think about how you can support one or more of them. Pray: Father, thank you for choosing me, for adopting me into your family. Help me to always remember your loving choice and that I can call you “Daddy.” And, Lord, show me what I can do to love the spiritual and physical orphans in my world.