“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.” James 1:27 ESV
If you have grown up going to church, I’m sure this is a verse you are very familiar with. Yet, as a young lady, you may be searching for practical ways to fulfill this commandment. For instance, you may be too young to take care of any children or even too young to drive to visit widows. Let me offer you a couple of examples of ways you can still help.
1. Pray, pray, pray. Pray for orphans and widows you know
specifically. Pray for opportunities to help, and I’m positive doors will be opened for you (Matt. 7:7). Pray for efforts that you know of to alleviate the pain and suffering of these often marginalized groups.
2. Use worship services as an opportunity to visit. Sit with a
widow before and during services. Ask her how she is doing and if
there is anything you can do for her. Ask her if she has any prayer requests. Please do not focus on yourself when doing this. Do not think, “Oh, I am doing such a nice thing for this lonely woman.” I guarantee you will end up gaining more from this experience than she will! Recognizing the value of the elderly in our community is something every young person needs to do at an early age. We are to learn from the older women in our midst (Titus 2:3-5). This cannot happen if we are unwilling to form relationships with each other!
3. Give, give, give. (2 Cor. 9:7) Give of your time to volunteer for
efforts to help orphans. Give of your possessions to children’s homes
or other organizations where clothes and toys can be given to the children. Give of your money if you are able to Christian organizations working with orphans and/or widows. For instance, Chinese Agape is an organization working to help orphans in China (http://chineseagape.org/home)
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