Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. (James 1:27)

Some of the greatest joys in life are found in moments of comfort and compassion in the darkest times. Those simple acts of kindness stir something within the soul and can enliven the spirit of every man. It is in those moments of carefulness that we are most like our heavenly Father. Those moments reveal the innocence created within all of us. The scripture passage reminds us that we are most like our God and Father when we give of ourselves to relate to others. God said, “It is not good that man should be alone” (Gen 2:18). We are created for relationships. Our relationships are with God first, and then with others. In times of lost and emptiness, we need our Father’s care, comfort and compassion. We need friendship from others and the fellowship of His Holy Spirit. The ministry and work of the Church is to share the love of Christ that is “pure…and undefiled.” Unlike world religions whose motives are mixed with false rituals and impure motives, the Church is always to be mindful that everything it does is “before God and the Father.” The Church is under God’s watchful eye and by His presence the Church endeavors to extend God’s truth and His mercy to those in need. The Father’s eye is attentive to His children, especially those often overlooked in the world, “the fatherless and widows in their affliction.” The sum of “pure religion” for the Church is to be charitable and relieve the afflicted. The Spirit warns the child of God not to become like the world, but “to keep himself unspotted from the world.” We must resist the temptation to compare ourselves with the works other religious organizations, yet always be mindful to “seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Mt 6:33) and God will provide and “supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:19). God’s heart is for the lost, afflicted, and abandoned. May we join our Father and be about His business to seek out the lost, comfort the afflicted and recover the abandoned from the world to the glory of our Savior, Jesus Christ. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.