Restart: Compassion and JusticeSample

WIDOW

James, the half-brother of Jesus, was known for his practical epistle. For James, faith was shown by action. True faith in God works from the inside out. What you believe is expressed by what you do.

Widows and orphans were some of the neediest people in ancient society. A woman without a husband could not go into business for herself (at least, not very easily), and children without parents had no one to look after them.

Caring for such people was one of the hallmarks of the early Church. Two thousand years later, what constitutes “the neediest people” may have changed, but the need to help has not. The principle remains the same: find the powerless and give them power, find the hungry and feed them. This is not some optional add-on, says James. This is what happens when you truly believe. This is what good, true religion looks like.

What is your definition of “religion that pleases God the Father” (James 1:27)? What are some actions that fit this definition?

Where is the widow or orphan near you? How does your church community assure that its worship practices embrace a vision for fully supporting the needy and challenging agencies and institutions to offer greater care? What can Christians do to make sure that their actions speak as eloquently as their words on behalf of the marginalized? Pray: Our God, from your sacred home you take care of orphans and protect widows. You find families for those who are lonely. Help me to see them and become a welcoming part of that family.