Pure religion
 

I've been thinking about this verse a lot lately. How do you apply this in your own life?

James 1:27
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.

Re: Pure religion
 

Re: Pure religion
 

Walk is more important than talk.
Doing is more important than Doctrine.

Re: Pure religion
 

I visit widows in their affliction on a regualr basis. Just drove 6 hours one way to visit a prisoner.

We are commanded to do these things. How do we justify ourselves if we don't ?

Re: Pure religion
 

I don't mean this facetiously, I really don't...

If you don't happen to personally know any 'afflicted widows', how do you find them? Or is that just generally speaking? Is it just overall trying to do good unto others, and help anyone in need?

Re: Pure religion
 

Nursing homes would be a good place to start.

Re: Pure religion
 

Are you going with widow as a woman who's husband has died and left her alone? Or, are you willing to include women who've been left alone by their former husbands to now raise their children alone or get on their feet alone?

I just can't imagine now knowing a few (dozen!) of these people. They're everywhere.

It's not too hard to find kids who don't understand why one (or both) of their parents are unavailable either. I know mine really struggle with why daddy isn't around, why daddy doesn't call, and why daddy makes promises he absolutely never keeps. They also struggle with why I'm working full time, going to school full time, and babysitting almost every other possible waking moment.

Ideas of where to look? Find out if your local college or university has a student success program, or a student support program. These target single parent students (and other high risk for drop out students). Get involved with the big brother, big sister program. Call some local pastors. As many times as I've randomly called churches looking for help, I'm sure they may know of someone in the community who could use a hug at the very least. Find out about volunteering with the local Salvation Army shelter. Or some other women's shelter. They're always desperate for help it seems.

Re: Pure religion
 

Re: Pure religion
 

No doubt! I am working towards having more time to volunteer again. I miss being able to see someone's eyes light up with a hope they've never had before. Something like that can't be described, it can only be experienced.

Re: Pure religion
 

Just about any church has men and women whose spouses have died or split up with them. We usually have single parents for whatever reason. These folks need our support and love.