So what is this scripture calling the church, and followers of Christ to? I think that this passage is calling us to be a family for those who have none. From the food in their bellies to the clothes on their backs they were dependent upon others for everything. Orphans are those who literally had no family, therefore had no system to tie into, either economically or materially.

As Max Lucado points out, many families would disown those who had converted to Christianity, so the widows of the church were often the lowest of the low. Widows had literally no social standing in first century Palestine, their economic and material well-being was tied to the male portions of their families. The idea of caring for Widows and Orphans is one that Jesus talks about a great deal, and the conversation continues among the apostles and the early church. I have written a great deal about the idea of “authentic faith” on this blog, and my goal in all that I do is to live a life seen as authentic. “Pure and Genuine religion” should be the goal of all of us these days. The title of that chapter is “Stand Up for the Have-nots” and is all about how we are to help those whom we can.

This scripture was found in Max Lucado’s Outlive Your Life, of which there will be a review on here soon. I read these words a few days ago in a book I am currently reading to review here on this blog, and I have to say that these words struck a serious chord in my heart and mind. “ 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 NLT

Scripture about widows and orphans