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via emailQuestion: What Does God Think of Orphans?
April 26th, 2010A little experiment here: Does anyone out there know from Scripture what God’s perspective on orphans is? If that’s a no-brainer for you, then how can Christians respond biblically to the plight of the orphan?
Hmm…?
David Pincince said:
It seems to me that contemporary thought sees children as a weight and burden. As a father of nine, I see this regularly in the form of comments at the mall, restaurants, library, and…yes, sadly…even at church. The news outlets regularly release information on how much it costs to care for them and provide them a college education. Instead, believers should view children as “a heritage of the Lord,” according to Psalm 127:3. Children are a reward, they are a blessing. Protecting orphans (children temporarily or permanently without a caregiver) is a mandate throughout Scripture per James 1:27 (“This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans….”). As believers, we need to value what God values and the Scriptures spend a lot of time on this issue.
The Seacoast area of NH has a growing and nearly desperate need for more Foster families. I am sure there are a number of reasons why more folks don’t respond to this call, but here is an idea from a marketing guy to awaken the church on this issue. Perhaps we should call them “orphans” instead of “foster kids”? It might awaken believers from their slumber on this issue to minister to kids from broken homes and/or with broken lives with the love of Jesus Christ…the one true healer and the only one who can truly stand as their rock and anchor no matter what storms life may bring their way.
That said, while we are all encouraged/commanded to care for orphans, this does not mean that all believers are called to be caregivers or adopt as there are many, many roles to play in this process. It is not a storybook, fairytale rescue of a child, it is hard work!! Most important is that each person surrender to God’s will. Where God calls you, He will equip you. Prayerfully consider what He would have you to do and then respond to His lead and call.
Sharyn said:
Love your heart for the fatherless (single parent moms’ children, as well as orphans, and those who live in foster homes or temporary housing while families are healing).
I just wanted to thank you, Chris, for the wonderful closing prayer last Sunday! It was so Spirit filled and beautiful! It spoke to my heart and it wasn’t just that you said the words for anyone listening to accept our Lord; but that those words were straight from God! That’s the real reason folks love your music…not that it isn’t great on its own…but that it’s so spirit filled. You and your team when leading our worship @ DEC bless us with the Holy Spirit’s presence and filling as you guide us in worship together. Thanks to you and your awesome team!
Can’t wait for the CDs….
Barb said:
Adding to my comment, I think the Nov 8th Orphan Sunday was 2009. I wonder if there will be another one this year?