There is a verse that we probably know and maybe even can quote, but we must ask ourselves how we’re doing in obeying it. Reflect slowly and soberly on these words from James 1:27— “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”
Notice that this “religion” is both pure and undefiled, which means that those who fail to practice this “religion” are therefore practicing a religion that is corrupt and defiled. Yikes! Notice again that this is not a man-made religion, but a religion “before” or “in the sight of” God and the Father. We cannot escape His attention. However, the question is, are there those in need who are escaping our attention? Orphans and widows have times of “distress” (NASB), “affliction” (ASV) and “trouble” (NKJV). We are commanded to look upon and provide help!
If we don’t take care of them in their trouble, doesn’t that mean that we’re “in trouble”?