Believers Devotional Network

The LORD our God identifies Himself as “a Father to the fatherless and a defender of widows” (Psalm 68:5). One of the primary ways God reveals Himself in this way is through His people. He has called us to be bearers of light and examples of godly living. The Lord expects us to uphold the dignity, worth, and rights of orphans, widows, the vulnerable, and all those in need.

We can live this out in many ways. First, we should ensure that those who are vulnerable; including orphans and children; are protected and that their needs are met. This includes standing up for the voiceless, for those who may not know their rights, and ensuring they are treated justly. God often calls us to begin with our own families, our church, and our communities. James 1:27 reminds us: “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.”

Scripture calls us to respond to the needs of those who are disadvantaged. When people see that we genuinely care for their welfare and support them as best we can, they too will praise God and give Him glory. Jesus Himself said, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:35–40, NIV).

As I reflected on this message, I sensed that God wants us to know that He sees and appreciates what we do for others. He expects us to serve faithfully in our various roles—whether as doctors, carers, teachers, social workers, police officers, soldiers, or in any other profession—and to treat His people with love and dignity. It is also God’s desire that we support our families and community members in need as much as we are able. We can offer our time to volunteer, our resources, and our compassion to those who require help.

The story of Esther also stood out to me during these reflections. Esther was orphaned at a young age, and Mordecai took responsibility for raising her as his own child. The Bible does not tell us what role Mordecai’s biological children played when they became adults, but what we do know is that Esther became queen and held the most influential position for Jews at the time. She continued to value Mordecai’s guidance, and was used by God to deliver the Jews from Haman’s plot.

Even in the Old Testament, God demonstrated His deep concern for the vulnerable. He commanded Israel: “When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the foreigner, the poor, the fatherless, and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands” (Leviticus 19:9 and Deuteronomy 24:19 combined)- NIV.

Proverbs 11:24–25 (NIV) teaches us: “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

The Lord Jesus will bless you and me for everything we do to serve and support those who need our help most.

Blessings in the Name of Jesus our LORD and Saviour.  Amen.