Throughout the Bible, the Lord shows His particular care for two groups of people often overlooked and disadvantaged—widows and orphans. In biblical times, women and children were dependent on their families to provide them with security, sustenance, and protection. If a woman found herself widowed, she was at the mercy of family members to take care of her until she was able to remarry. If her age or circumstances did not allow her to find another husband, she was often viewed as a burden to her family and community for the rest of her life. Similarly, children who were left fatherless were at the mercy of their extended family and community. In some cases, families made room for these orphans and raised them as their own. In more tragic cases, orphans were treated as second-class—abused, neglected, and exploited.
Sadly, in the thousands of years that have followed, not much has changed. There are an estimated 258 million widows around the world (United Nations) and an estimated 153 million children worldwide who are orphans (UNICEF).
The Lord does more than simply acknowledge the difficulties and longings of widows and orphans; He defends their cause. He acts as their champion, and He commits Himself to the work of establishing them in healthy families and communities where they can be known, loved, protected, and valued (Psalm 68:4–6). As His people, we are called to generously care for and show hospitality to widows and orphans. This must go deeper than a simple awareness of the orphan and widow—as the family of God, we must make room for those without the support and protection of family.
The act of making room will look different for each of us, depending on the needs around us and how the Holy Spirit leads us to help. For some, it may look like financially supporting a non-profit actively caring for widows and orphans in another part of the world. It may mean serving foster care families in our local community or becoming a foster or adoptive parent. Maybe for some of us, we can show our hospitality by cooking a meal for the single mom with young kids who lives in our neighborhood. Or maybe, for some of us, our next step is to advocate for the needs and rights of orphans in our local governments.
There are so many ways we can prayerfully care for and show hospitality to widows and orphans in our world. The key though is to do something—to actively champion the cause of people that God fiercely loves and protects. After all, our religion is not fully made by the songs we sing on Sundays or the box we check when someone asks us what our faith is or even the scriptures we can recite from memory. “Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress” (James 1:27).
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79 thoughts on "Making Room for Widows and Orphans"
I’m going to go see my widowed mother today. The grief has been so overwhelming for her. I feel guilty that she is in a care facility. But the care she gets there is so good. I also am a teacher and see children who need to be cared for so badly. I’m praying that God will give me the wisdom to know how to help these children.
Amen.. my mother passed away a year ago and my husband and I moved in with my dad because he did not want to be alone in his home. It has been a blessing to be with him in the grieving process. We are praying for him as he lost his way.. that he will come back to God.
My father-in-law passed away unexpectedly this summer, leaving behind my 68 year old mother-in-law. The past few months have been hard-grief is certainly not linear. I don’t know why I’m just now associating her with the term “widow” and how these scriptures pertain. My husband (the most responsible of their kids) has felt a lot of the weight in making sure she is taken care of-and we are the only family out of state! I’m praying for his strength and wisdom in helping her through this transition from far away and my MIL’s salvation. The “first” holidays coming up without him will surely feel heavy at times.
I was just able to read today and found Timothy 5:9-16 contradictory to the message and other scriptures. Anyone else?
I think it just reinforces that family should take care of family and those that do not have family are taken care of by other believers. It helped me to know I am doing the right thing taking care of my mom who has dementia.
I don’t get it either!!! Help
Praying for you, sister.
From the Faithlife Study Bible: widows
A woman whose husband has died and who has no male relative (e.g., a father or son) to support her. Paul provided Timothy with criteria for identifying needy widows (vv. 3–16). The reference to “genuine” or “true” widows assumes that there was some dispute regarding the qualifications and responsibilities of widows. Paul addresses this issue throughout this passage (vv. 1–16).
In the ancient world, widows were susceptible to injustice and poverty. Typically, wealth and land passed from father to son, leaving a widow without financial support. Old Testament laws provided widows with a means of financial security through a kinsman (Deut 25:5–10), and protected widows in the absence of an available kinsman (Deut 10:18; 24:17). Such laws show God’s concern for the weak and vulnerable. He calls believers to share in His concern (Jas 1:27). The early church showed great care toward widows (e.g., Acts 6:1–6; 9:41; Jas 1:27).
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5:14 to marry
Several verses earlier (1 Tim 5:11), Paul takes issue with the young widows’ desire to remarry—apparently because it exceeded the devotion they showed to Christ. As a result, these women were not qualified to be enrolled as real widows and therefore supported by the church (vv. 7–8, 16; compare note on v. 9). Since they could not be counted among the real widows, Paul urges them to fulfill their desire to remarry in hopes that it will restore their devotion to Christ, as well as the reputation of the church.
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Paul’s teachings include safeguards in context with the historical time and situations that were occurring. Today, many churches and charitable organizations necessarily have policies in place regarding how they help those in need, to prevent their resources from being taken advantage of and frivolously used. The churches, then, were places of charity. So, this teaching established a policy to ensure the resources were being used to help those truly in need who could not physically support themselves and who showed devotion to righteous living and to the church. I hope this perspective his helpful!
Good morning She’s. I have been on vacation for a couple of weeks and just finally caught up on my readings and the comments. I guess these scrptures have always been a little confusing to me. Are we as christians supposed to search out widows and children to take care of? I always try and make donations to organizations that care for these. I have a nephew and his family that have fostered and adopted a little boy that was born addicted to multiple drugs. They were asked to foster him at 5 months of age and just recently adopted him. He is now three years old. What a joy he has been to our family. I have another niece that is a single mom of two. She frequently gets called to take children of all ages into her home. She recently adopted a little boy, is currently fostering three little girls, and while we were all visiting recently, she received a call to take a newborn that was also addicted to drugs. These travesties break my heart. Thank God for loving homes that can help out with them. I watched the movie Sound of Hope this weekend. It’s on the Angel Network. I highly recommend it. It’s a true story about a town in West Texas that was led by God and one pastor’s wife to take on children that needed homes. What a transformation on many levels that was for this community. Such a good movie. Sorry for the long post. Have a wonderful Monday and the beginnings of Thanksgiving week.
Making donations is wonderful because they already have prepared the way, and the how and what!! They thrive with generous givers!! Now people like your nephew and niece…that takes some special, selfless people!! I always wish I could do that, to take in babies and kids when they need it. I don’t know how people foster though and then have to go through the heartaches releasing them if so.
I am so thankful for you being a prayer partner for my jail butterflies! Many of them are orphans from rejection or additive parents.
Amen
Todays response questions:
What does scripture say about making room for widows and orphans?
If you love God, then you must keep his commandments, support the ones who need help, and watch over the orphans and widows in distress.
Why does scripture urge us to welcome widows and orphans?
They are people who would otherwise have no one to support them in life.
Think of those without familial support, how will you make room for them in your life?
A close family friend of ours is a widower. His wife passed and he has two daughters he is raising as a single dad. I had him on my heart as I read today’s passage!
I am a minister’s wife. One time I read about a minister’s wife who looked for a widow to sit with at church and I have at times, adopted that. As a minister’s wife, I often don’t have anyone to sit with, so it’s nice to find a new friend.
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What immediately came to mind as I started reading the devo was this:
“When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” – John 19:26
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Even from the cross, Jesus secured care and provision for his dear mother. He was the eldest the one charged with looking after her when she was widowed. He knew His earthly brothers didn’t believe (we can put our own spin on how those family dynamics came into play ☺)
so He asked someone He trusted in this world. That’s a powerful example to me- and to those present at the cross.
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We have a very active widows’ ministry in our church. These precious ladies meet monthly for encouragement, but also to give to the hurting in our community.
This section is convicting. I have felt stirs in my heart for foster care/adopting, but I am so determined to expand my family biologically. There’s no good reason other than that’s what I really want. I’ve felt stirs to look at adoption, but I continually shut them down. As soon as I saw today’s title, I felt the massive dread and conviction you feel when you’re not listening to the Holy Spirit. I know I need a heart check, but I am massively struggling with it.
Thank you for sharing, Kendall!! I am actually in the exact same spot and struggling with it as well!
1 Timothy 5:14 really hit differently this morning. I used to feel like I had no time to get anything done and people would always say ” wait til you have the baby, and you will see how much free time you really had” lol. It’s laughable. Before having the baby I would take great offense to that verse. Now that I am in the newborn stage, I see it as just an objective fact. There is actually no time for idleness with a newborn. And what a surprising joy it has been! I have been loving how she has made me less of a “busy body” and more present. No time for social media. I’m commenting on this Bible study while pumping lol. I really just wanted to share this to the young women who are scared to have children, because I felt fear mongered all through pregnancy about this postpartum time. I didn’t understand that hard, lack of sleep, busy could equal pure joy. That’s Christ for you. I truly feel what he means when he says come to me you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. I’ve never felt more rested on 6 hrs of broken sleep in my life !
Oh Bless you, Lanie!
Those early days of motherhood are so precious!
Prayers that all goes well and you get the rest you need. Hugs to you and your sweet baby girl! ❤️
Oh yes! Last year, I had my first baby and I remember thinking the same thing – everyone “fear-mongers” about the postpartum time, but as I look back on it, I remember it as pure joy. I can mentally remember that there were nights that I was crying as I pumped at 4 am and I know in my brain that it was hard, but my “heart memory” just remembers the pure joy of that unfettered time with my sweet baby girl. Praying for you and your baby girl – may the Lord continue to bless your time as your grow together.
Lanie, you speak such truth! Thank you for sharing your experience as encouragement for those who may be fearful. Kiss that baby girl for me! ❤
Lanie I am so happy for you! I never understood the nay-sayers when I was pregnant either! It’s not easy having a new born, but it is so beautiful! Enjoy these days. Mine are grown and I look back on those early years with such tenderness.
Enjoy this precious time. The fourth trimester can be a sweet time of joyfully exhausted
Darby, that is really cool. I have tried to think through this section of scripture in regards to voting, but have found aside of medicare and pension (which aren’t exclusive to widows) there is little I can do. I have never heard a candidate talk about their views of the foster system. Maybe this is good though, maybe a department not discussed is more stably funded…
My husband and I were blessed to have been brought up in families that makes room for others. When I was growing up, we always had others at our holiday table who had no where else to go. My husband remembers his grandmother renting the church basement at Thanksgiving and inviting not only family and friends, but the homeless that lived in the neighborhood. Now we continue the tradition and we try to think about who may not have somewhere to go and extend an invitation. I even see this in our kids now, which warms my heart. While they may not know Jesus YET, I pray that when they do, they will see that that is WHO we are trying to reflect in our day to day lives.
Father God, may I overflow with compassion for others. Help me to see their needs and be willing to step in and help. Put action to my words, steps to my feet. Help me to imitate You, “For you Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” In Jesus Name, Amen.
Amen! ❤
I love this reminder! Soooo good!!! We must be family to those who have none
This past 7 years, though I am not technically a widow, have been as if I were a widow. Had to chuckle a little (ironically) we have 2 living in the same home. My mom and I. OK…NOW getting serious. BUT GOD. OUR JESUS. Jehovah Jireh! Has and IS our provider by means of others! I have “witnessed” others taking care of my mom, friends, family and even close by neighbors (I live here). When my kids (back then 16 and 11) and I fled our abusive home, my mom’s friends provided extra food and even clothes (I still get teared up). I can still “visualize” the 2 white bags full of clothes! Till this day, I still have a few items. YEP, by today’s standards I may not be a “widow” but its as if I were and not once have I ever felted abandoned. NOT ONCE! God is SO good! I may not have everything I want, BUT I have EVERYTHING I need! Happy Monday sweeties! Thank you all for praying for Caleb. He is enjoying Portland so far. I am a BLESSED mama that he has AMAZING friends who love JESUS!
Amen! I am so blessed to work for a organization that cares for the orphaned and vulnerable around the world
Sadly, there is no shortage of this need in our circle of people. I am reminded to be aware , intentional and active in reaching out to offer support, care and show the love of Jesus.
This instantly makes me think of my neighbor that we didn’t know real well at the time, but when my husband moved out wanting a divorce. I had a one and half year old, and they had an older boy and one a year older than mine. When she knew he was no longer around, she would send her older boy to mow my lawn. She would bring over meals often!! She started watching my son when I had to work full time. She was a JOY and a much needed help! And just like Tina’s story…guess who I got a random text from that I haven’t talked to in years…yep- this neighbor. We got to catch up- I should have thanked her again for being an example of caring for those women in need, not widowed, but divorced and on her own. Caring for her neighbor in need.
We have a neighbor that I thought just yesterday I need to do something nice for. She is divorced, works full time, and cares for to autistic grown sons. One needs daily care. I need to not let the thought flee.
It is funny that we live in a time that we don’t even really know our neighbors any more. Up north people would pull up in their garages and shut the door. And you really didn’t know them or talk to them at all. I prayed when I knew I was moving for a friendly neighborhood to have good friends. I was blessed.
THIS is SO beautiful. You and I have lived similar lives!
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Jason Tippetts writes for HRT…
“The brokenness of the widow and the orphan may not be fully understood unless you have walked those same paths. But full understanding is not the goal. Compassion for a brokenness you may never know is the goal. This sort of compassion really stretches you beyond your equipping, which is what makes this particular kind of hospitality such a great service. God mentions this kind of care numerous times in Scripture because caring for orphans and widows is close to His heart. He says, “I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you” (John 14:18).
The fear of many widows and orphans, or of anyone grieving a great loss, is that they will only be known as people who have been left and abandoned. However, Jesus has promised never to leave us. Personally, it’s a promise that means more to me than I could ever say.
When we make room for orphans and widows, we celebrate Jesus’s promise to abide with us and comfort us, even as we comfort others. We declare our own intention to be present, our ears and our hearts open to grieve with them. When we make room for those who’ve lost much, we remind them that there is a place at God’s table reserved especially for them.”
This pastor lost his wife, the mother of their 4 young children shortly after they moved to a totally new area to plant a church… His words carry much weight!!
Yes, that’s good, thank you for sharing Carol!
Thank you for sharing Carol! I found that there is a full length movie called “The Long Goodbye: The story of Kara Tippets”. I’m going to give it a watch.
Those words… very well said. This day’s reading is especially tender for the me. My father passed away over twenty years ago, leaving my mother a window at at the age of 57. Years later, she is facing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and my siblings and I are having to make hard decisions concerning her care. She still misses my dad every day and the disease in some ways makes her act as if it just happened all over again. Lord, help me as I love her and honor you.
I decided to read the entirety of John 14 this morning after reading the selected verses, and I caught myself sinking into my seat. During His teaching to the disciples, Jesus makes His message very, very clear; however, several of the disciples get caught up in the human details of “yes, BUT how will we know for sure…” Ohhhhhh how much I can relate to this way of thinking. I truly pray this holiday season (and in all seasons) I am able to just hear the message, receive the charge, and go forth in bold acts of love as God has commanded.
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Love this. So simple and humbling.
Amen
During this holiday season, don’t forget about the empty nesters whose parents may have died, children have other obligations, and extended family has other commitments. Look for couples in your church or community that don’t have “family” meals planned. Invite them to join your family!
Such a great thought Sabrina!
That’s the spirit, Sabrina!
Amen! I love that God points out the widows and orphans. He cares about this who can’t fully care for themselves. And He calls us to be His hands and feet. I pray I can see more ways to help Him.
Happy Thanksgiving week She’s!
Amen
“Learn to do what is good.
Pursue justice.
Correct the oppressor.
Defend the rights of the fatherless.
Plead the widow’s cause.”
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What struck me today about this verse in Isaiah was how many children are fatherless and women are single (esentially widows) in the U.S. because the men are absent by choice or by incarceration.
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If your church has a single mom’s group, check in with the leader to see what the needs are of the gals, maybe you may be a source or connected to one of help (i.e. a man who could be a role model/mentor for a fatherless child).
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MARI V – praying Caleb has a safe return trip for his friendsgiving trip.
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SHERRY – praying for the Lord’s peace to fill your heart and mind as you wait you biopsy results.
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Great idea, KELLY!
Aw…thank you Kelly! He’s having a great time!
Amen. As a widow I am thankful that I have enough to care for myself and a family who loves and supports me.
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Oh dear Mary Ann, I was not aware, thank you for sharing!
The tears starts when I saw the title of today’s devo. I’ve said that before. We study a lot of different topics and aspects of life in this community and sometimes just reading the subject brings a rush of memories, like today … my father-in-law died as my in-laws were about to retire and I thought about helping my mother-in-law for 20+ years, and then my husband’s words after her funeral when it dawned on him that he was technically an orphan; friends and family members who lost their spouses- sometimes at young ages, or that lost a parent at a young age; being responsible for the elderly relative I’ve mentioned here before, my sisters here who have and are experiencing these hard, painful losses, and the two children sleeping down the hall as we step in as sort of surrogate grandparents when their parents are called away from time to time.
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We should do what we can, sisters, praying for guidance and wisdom, and praying that resentment doesn’t take hold as others stand back and watch. That last one is hard sometimes. And then realizing there are situations around me that I’m not helping with so there are likely people fighting (hopefully) resentment towards me.
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Today’s verse on BG
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
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Reminded of the song “I’m no longer an orphan” by the recently retired Primitive Quartet. Thankful I’ve adopted and grafted into God’s family.
The chorus to the song:
Now I’m no longer an orphan.
Someone has rescued me.
My garments no longer are tattered,
My family is royalty.
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❤ What a testimony of blessing you have been to your loved ones! You are an inspiration, sister!! Love and hugs ☺
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This will make you laugh, maybe even howl!
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I recently, received an official document asking me to give a reference to my … wait for it, my now ex, and his wife!
How God moves, right? And His sense of humour!
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They want to be foster parents and I, as an ex, have the front row seating on whether they are suitable, apparently!
The forms were mainly about my ex, his role as a father and how he was with the children, the older 2 were not his biologically.
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I filled out the 8 page questionnaire, actually with ease. My heart was pure and at peace as I answered the questions. I could not fault my ex, I truthfully I could not fault his person either.
When the plank of wood has been removed from your eyes to reveal something other than your feelings of dislike, interestingly, you see good. I digress! Sorry!
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BUT GOD..
Has given me the opportunity to come alongside these two, who crushed my already broken heart, in grace and kindness so they in turn, can give a warm and loving home to a child\children who need a little or big help..
I am not taking any credit for their decision to do this, I am simply thankful that I get to be a small, miniscule part of this journey of theirs, that I get to make room for them, who in turn are making room for a child.
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Singing to the Lord this morning, for His kindness and grace, love and mercy to us all..
Thank you Father God, Thank you..
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AMEN.
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Happy Monday my dears covered in warming love and hugs this very fresh day!❤️
BUT GOD..
Wow Tina. That must have taken you by surprise! So glad that you were able to see past your hurts and glorify God, even in this.
Blessings to you!❤️
Chuckling, TINA, well, ok, laughing, at God’s timing … right after your testimony of about them. His grace is sufficient! Love you! ❤️
Ironic, indeed.
Blessings to you and your week ahead. ❤️
This is such God’s timing Tina. What a testimony to His faithfulness in your life. You lived out in a big way “bless those who curse you”! And to do so joyfully and with an open heart can ONLY be God! BUT God…:)
Yes as the other Shes have commented about God’s timing in this. I’m grateful in your sharing that part of your testimony God was preparing you for the paperwork.
Yep, it’s funny how that always happens! We talk about something, and then God truly does something that you know he has a hand in everything! That’s pretty funny!!
Dear Tina… I think this is an example of the term “Fill Circle”. Only, I don’t think I have ever heard of such a beautiful example! May God continue to bless you as you walk every step of your journey WITH Him! Love your ♥️!!
Tina— I just want to say that I love you. Your amazing spirit and kind heart never cease to amaze me.
Wow. That is quite something. What a call to live our grace and kindness, Tina. May the Lord be honored through what is very unique circumstance and relationship.
TINA!!!! Our sweet, sweet TINA!! I am not surprised! YOU are such a great example to all of us of someone who have COMPLETELY forgiven! And YES, you get to be “part” of who ever the child will to be taken care of. I love you sweet lady!
Oh wow Tina, this brought tears to my eyes. Only God.
Tina you are a true testimony of loving as God loves! God bless you!!❤️
Echoing our sisters comments! What irony and joy at once! The fact that they listed you as a reference is a great testimony to you, dear sister! Hugs from the sunny foothills across the pond! ❤
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God is SO Good❤️❤️❤️
Oh wow Tina! It never ceases to amaze me how God works through you. You truly are His hands and feet and a light in a dark world. God bless you my friend!❤️
Tina, this is truly a “but God” moment!☺️