James 1:27 (NIV) says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress...” One of the most fundamental ways we are charged to show the love of Christ in this world is by being those that care for the “least of these” in our communities. Children displaced from their homes due to circumstances out of their control are among those closest to God’s heart. He calls us all to love those that have suffered trauma and unimaginable loss…and there are many. With roughly 1,600 children waiting for adoptive homes each year and more than 11,000 children in foster care in Georgia, there is no question we have a crisis on our hands. However, the answer to this crisis is Jesus and His Church. A Christ-centered foster care and adoptive ministry not only allows churches to care for vulnerable children and their families, but also provides a way to support foster and adoptive families.
READ:
James 1:27, Psalm 68:5-6, Deuteronomy 10:18, Psalm 146:9, Isaiah 1:17, Romans 8:15
Ephesians 1:4-5, Proverbs 31:8, Matthew 25:40
- In your opinion, what are the “fruits” or “evidences” of authentic Christian faith?
- What does James mean by religion that is “pure and faultless”? How does this relate to caring for the poor and needy? How do the passages listed above characterize God in regard to caring for the helpless?
- Why do you think James chose to use widows and orphans to illustrate this identifying mark of authentic Christianity? Why were these two groups most often marginalized in Jesus’ day?
- What are some reasons that we might ignore or refuse to act with care toward the helpless? What are some ways that God Himself acts to provide care for the helpless? Explain the concept of spiritual adoption into the Family of God. Why is adoption such a fitting metaphor for caring for orphans?
- Does the notion of helping widows and orphans belong only in the 1st century or does ministry to such segments of society still demonstrate pure and undefiled religion?
- What are some other general examples of how the church can care for the helpless in our society? What are some specific examples of how YOU can care for the helpless in your day-to- day life?
DISCUSS:
- Why do you think we have such a crisis of displaced children in our nation today? Do you agree that the Church is the answer to the foster care crisis? Why or why not?
- According to the Families 4 Families strategy, what are the ways an individual/family can get involved in foster care? What is the primary goal of Families 4 Families? (to reunite children with their family) Why is this such an important goal?
- What will be your part in helping support children and families involved in the foster care system?
PRAY:
- Over the next two weeks, pray about how you will support children and families involved in foster care.
RESPOND:
- Plan to attend the Families 4 Families Information Session, October 30, 12pm Steve Roath Pavilion
Visit www.familes4families.cc and read more about how to support children and families in foster care.