What does the Bible say about taking care of widows and orphans?
James 1:27 summarizes it well –
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of caring for those who are vulnerable and marginalized in society, such as adults and children who have lost a loved one.
In a world full of distractions and competing priorities, there has never been a more crucial time to answer the call of caring for others.
Here are three practical ways we can care for widows and orphans:
1. Volunteer with local organizations that support widows and orphans.
Thankfully, there are many national and local non-profit organizations that provide volunteer opportunities for people to serve widows and orphans.
Here are a few ways you can use your time and abilities to serve –
- Package meal kits and serve families in need at a local food bank,
- Foster children of refugees or sex trafficking victims with Bethany,
- Delivering food with Meals on Wheels,
- Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) who works one-on-one with a child in the foster care system,
- Prepare personal care packages for low-income seniors, or
- Mentor, tutor, or teach a skills class at a local shelter for women and children.
Keep in mind, while volunteering service is more than helpful, many people in vulnerable populations just want to be heard.
When an opportunity allows, consider being intentional about listening to the stories, interests, and reflections of the people you are serving.
2. Donate to organizations that support widows and orphans.
According to Never Alone Widows, 75% of widows lose financial support within 6 months of loss.
Many widows may face unexpected expenses, such as funeral costs or medical bills, while also grappling with the loss of their spouse’s income. Additionally, some widows may not have the necessary financial literacy or resources to manage their finances effectively on their own, leading to financial struggles.
Financial support is essential to helping widows and orphans get out of tough situations.
Donate to Organizations
If you have cash, appreciated stock, clothing in good condition, functional appliances and other items of value, there are plenty of organizations that can transfer these items and other basic necessities to help those in need.
A few organizations that provide financial support and necessary resources to widows and orphans include:
- Bethany Christian Services,
- Koinonia Family Services,
- Solo Parent Society
- America World Adoption, and
- Never Alone Widows.
Donate to Individuals
Sometimes, you can make a powerful impact by donating directly to a person who has lost their spouse, or directly to a child who has lost a parent.
Direct donations can be especially meaningful when you already have a relationship with someone who has experienced loss. Maybe you know a widow at your Church. Or, maybe your child has a close friend in foster care.
With these individuals, you might have personal insight into how you can help meet their needs. Your direct donations might look like –
- Buying them groceries once a month,
- Helping them pay for college applications,
- Providing gas money, or
- Buying school supplies.
Be sure to use discernment, do your research and pray for guidance before donating money to an individual or organization.
And, if your decision to give us fogged because you are questioning the level of your donation’s impact, consider this quote from a Pastor’s widow who received aid from other people’s donations to a ministerial relief fund:
“It is truly the Lord caring for me through this ministry, or I would have nothing. I’ve been able to pay my rent, my bills, and get food. I’ve been able to go to sleep at night knowing I was taken care of, even though I don’t have my best friend and my pastor beside me.”
Every donation matters. Every donation has the potential to make a difference.
3. Build relationships with widows and orphans in your community.
Another practical way to care for widows and orphans is to build relationships with them.
In our busy lives, it can be easy to overlook those who are marginalized in our communities.
However, taking the time to build relationships with widows and orphans can be a powerful way to show them that they are valued and loved.
Visit
Consider visiting a local nursing home or orphanage and spending time with residents.
This heartwarming LinkedIn post captures the joys and rewards of visiting a nursing home, highlighting the positive impact it can have on the residents’ lives –
“Most care facilities have fun activities scheduled for the residents. Ask the director if help is needed during bingo or some other social activity. This is an easy way to start…”
Social Media
Another option is to utilize online resources such as social media groups or local websites dedicated to connecting community members.
You can join a Facebook Group, follow hashtags like #widowlife or #fostercare on Instagram or find other ways to connect and provide support.
Hospitality
Once trust, discernment and a genuine relationship is established, you can support your new connection by being hospitable.
You can offer to babysit, invite them over for dinner, teach them how to use the latest AI software, help them with household chores and find other ways to make them feel welcomed, loved and supported.
Conclusion
Losing a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences this life can bring.
Unfortunately, many widows and orphans navigate through this experience alone with little financial or emotional support.
By volunteering with local organizations, donating to support those in need, and building relationships with those who are marginalized – we can show God’s love and care for those who are most vulnerable in our communities.
In addition, using our resources to support widows and orphans is one of many ways we can carry out Biblical Money Principles that align with godly financial stewardship.