Orphan Sunday
On the first Sunday of every Sunday churches observe Orphan Sunday. There aren’t many orphanages on Guam, but we do have a number of foster care systems in place. Currently we have 365 children in need of foster care. As of now, we have 44 families registered to care for these children. Please pray for this vital ministry on the island. James 1:27 says,
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.
The notes below are from notes from 5 study Bibles speaking on a Christian’s ministry to the widow and orphan.
The Reformation Study Bible on James 1:27
James emphasizes concern for widows and orphans as a true measure of obedience that is pleasing to God. It reflects the concerns of God Himself (Deut. 10:18; Ps. 9:18 note; 68:5; 146:9). Israel was given this responsibility in the OT (Deut. 14:29; Ezek. 22:7).
NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible on James 1:27
[Widows and orphans] represent all people who find themselves powerless and vulnerable in this world. God is himself “a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows” (Ps 68:5; see Exod 22:22–24) and expects his people to imitate his concern (Isa 1:10–17).
NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible on James 1:27
In Scripture, true piety included defending the oppressed and vulnerable (cf. Am 2:6–7; 5:21–24), including widows and orphans (Isa 1:17). In most ancient cultures, fatherless children and widows had neither direct means of support nor automatically dependable legal defenders. God took special interest in defending them (Dt 10:18; Ps 68:5; 146:9), and wanted leaders to defend them (Ps 82:3; Isa 1:23; Jer 5:28) and not exploit them (Ex 22:22–24; Dt 24:17; Ps 94:6; Isa 10:2; Jer 7:6; 22:3; Eze 22:7; Zec 7:10). Traditional Greek society did look out for freeborn orphans, but not other ones. Jewish people valued providing for widows and the fatherless.
The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible on James 1:27
The lonely and poor who have no protector, the special objects of God’s compassion (Deut. 10:17–18; 27:19; Pss. 10:14–18; 68:5–6). This verse is not the sum total of what God requires from us, but outward marks of whether or not love has become the principle that has conquered our hearts (1 John 4:11–16).
The MacArthur Study Bible on James 1:27
Those without parents or husbands were and are an especially needy segment of the church (see notes on 1Ti 5:3; cf. Ex 22:22; Dt 14:28, 29; Ps 68:5; Jer 7:6, 7; 22:16; Ac 6:1–6). Since they are usually unable to reciprocate in any way, caring for them clearly demonstrates true, sacrificial, Christian love.
