Practical loving concerns for the powerless and forgotten - widows, fatherless, and foreigners among us (
Deuteronomy 10:18,
24:17-21;
Psalm 146:9) - are rooted in the heart of God and championed in Old Testament Law. One of the first internal problems the early church urgently faced and handled positively was language prejudice toward some widows - Jewish but Greek-speaking widows in Jerusalem (
Acts 6:1-7). Showing love, concern, and care to all was essential to God and a concern the early church leaders addressed. Paul later reminded Timothy, and us, that we must have the same concern for widows and the marginalized today! (Notice that James extends that same concern for both widows and orphans -
James 1:27)
Forgive me, loving Father, for I sometimes get so lost in my opportunities and problems that I don't look around and check on those in my church family who need my help, much less those in need who are not Christians. Touch me with your Spirit and enable me to redemptively hear, see, and respond to their needs. I appreciate your concern for all people. Please use me as one of your tools of grace to bless those in need. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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