James 1:27
“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.”
These words: “pure…undefiled…unstained…” reveal what true religion and faith look like. The giving up of self. The laying down of my life for those who can’t pay me back. Just like Jesus did for me.
Widows and orphans, for the most part, are the most vulnerable ones in our society and they typically could never repay any kindness given to them. To keep myself pure, undefiled and unstained by the world is to serve others while keeping my eyes off of self and on Jesus.
What names come to you today as you think of the widows and orphans in your life? How could you “visit” them with kindness through words or deeds?
Prayer: Father, reveal to me names of those around me whom I could show kindness like you have to me. Help me to be someone who sees the needs of others and moves to meet those needs. Amen