By: Rev. Robby Bell, Chairman of William H. Dunlap Board
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you (James 1:27).
In looking into that first sign of pleasing devotion to God (caring for orphans and widows in their distress), Daniel Doriani, (James, Reformed Expository Commentary, 59) points out the reason behind this: God Himself cares for them! Psalm 68:5 defines Him as “a father to the fatherless.”
In that capacity, we observe a core attribute about God that is also instructive for our care of orphans. First, kindness towards orphans is pure kindness; they are likely to be poor and needy for a long time and have no tangible means of repaying kindness extended to them. Aiding them, then, is mercy for the sake of mercy alone.
Second, since God has enriched our lives personally and as a board, we have a responsibility to use our resources to take care of most of their physical needs, as well as spiritual and related needs. We love and care for orphans because God first loves and cares for them. In addition, God loves and cares for us who are poor and needy spiritually. He shows us mercy for mercy’s sake alone. Thus, we are to show mercy in our dealings with others.
Finally, while James 1:27 is often cited as the primary proof text for caring for orphans, I don’t think I have ever heard anyone cite Exodus 22, verses 22-24, regarding our social responsibility to care for orphans and widows. This passage gave me a new appreciation for God’s commitment to caring for orphans and widows. These verses say:
Do not mistreat any widow or orphan. If you do, I, the Lord, will answer them when they cry out to me for help, and I will become angry and kill you in war. Your wives will become widows, and your children will be fatherless.
So, let us do all that we can to help the orphans in our communities and churches, for doing so is pleasing to God. Personally, this calls to mind the mission statement of the Providence Presbyterian Church in Hilton Head, which I believe captures the essence of such endeavors well. It says, “Our mission is to CAUSE GOD JOY by worshipping, learning, connecting, and serving.” May we be about causing God joy by showing mercy to others as He has and continues to show mercy to us.
Orphan Sunday is this Sunday, November 10. To learn more about how our denomination supports orphans, click here.