Posted by A few years ago, I memorized James 1 and I’m so glad that I did. It’s such an incredibly powerful and meaningful chapter. If you have a few extra moments today, I highly encourage you to sit with this chapter. It’s filled with wisdom and encouragement; it constantly challenges me to live out my faith.
“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)
This theme of caring for the least of these is found throughout the Bible. In the Law, the Israelites were commanded to care for the widows, orphans, and sojourners in their land. They were to act justly and kindly toward these people, caring for those with the lowest standing in their community. Jesus echoed this and, of course, took it further by commanding us to love our neighbors as ourselves. He spoke about how he will judge nations based on how they cared for the hungry, thirsty, poor, naked, and imprisoned. When we take care of someone who doesn’t deserve it, who can’t repay anything to us, we are doing it to God.
Today I am praying for:
- Courage and love to fill the hearts of God’s people
- Blessing, strength, and strategic insight for those who are actively caring for the least of these
- For God to be glorified in my nation
How does the Biblical call to care for the least of these challenge you?
What is God saying to you?
Work in Progress 