Deprived but not forgotten

I have always wondered why my mother had such deep compassion for the mentally unstable and the needy. What puzzled me the most was her generosity—she gave so freely to others even when our family struggled. When I asked why she did what she did, she would always say that by being generous to the less privileged, we are serving the Lord Jesus Christ.

We live in a world of suffering, where people are always in need. Some might wonder why so many struggle; others even question whether God has been fair to us. The reality is that suffering and need will never end as long as we live in this broken world. Yet, Scripture powerfully reminds us that through suffering, many have been brought to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Could it be that the struggles we face each day, especially those endured by widows and orphans, serve as a reminder that God is still in control?

In this world, the privileged are often preoccupied with themselves, while those who struggle are left without care. Many families rely on their spouses and parents for their livelihood, and when those providers are gone, they are left with no one to depend on. One might argue that they should simply work harder to provide for themselves, yet their struggles are often too overwhelming to bear alone. When such situations arise, they are left with no choice but to rely on others for help.

According to UNICEF, an estimated 140 million orphans exist worldwide, with many more children and families rendered vulnerable due to factors such as poverty, conflict, and disease. These individuals face numerous challenges that can have lasting impacts on their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Some of the most significant challenges include:

Emotional trauma and psychological impact: Losing a parent or experiencing neglect and abuse can lead to severe emotional distress, attachment disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Lack of access to basic needs: Orphans and vulnerable children often struggle to obtain adequate food, clean water, shelter, healthcare, and education, which hinders their development and overall well-being.

Increased risk of exploitation and abuse: Without the protection and care of parents, orphans and vulnerable children are at higher risk of exploitation, child labor, human trafficking, and sexual abuse. (ref)

Unfortunately, the world remains blind to the needs of the underprivileged. In fact, they are often taken advantage of for the gain of the elite. Widows are disregarded and treated unfairly, struggling emotionally, financially, and socially under constant pressure. Likewise, orphans are frequently manipulated and used as tools for the benefit of a privileged few.

Scripture consistently calls us to have compassion for the underprivileged, particularly widows and orphans. The Bible even warns against mistreating them. Exodus 22:21-24 commands us not to oppress widows or fatherless children, cautioning that if they cry out to the Lord, He will bring judgment upon those who mistreat them. Likewise, Deuteronomy 27:19 declares that God's curse is upon anyone who perverts justice against the poor, widows, and the fatherless. If we enjoy privileges at their expense, we must remember that God's wrath awaits those who exploit them.

Not only does God warn against injustice, but He also provides protection and provision for widows and orphans. Psalm 68:5 declares that God is the father of the fatherless and the protector of widows. Isaiah assures us that widows will not be disgraced or ashamed because the Lord Himself is their husband and redeemer (Is. 54:4-5). The Lord watches over them and upholds their cause (Ps. 146:9).

God calls His people to show compassion. Paul’s letter to Timothy urges believers to honor widows and encourages them to seek God continuously (1 Tim. 5:3-4). James 1:27 defines pure religion before God as caring for orphans and widows in their distress. Isaiah 1:17 commands us to seek justice for the fatherless and to plead the cause of the widow. Deuteronomy 24:19 reminds us that we are called to care for them and meet their needs.

The early church exemplified what a community of believers should be. They had compassion for the poor, the widows, and the fatherless, caring for one another so deeply that those with resources shared with those in need. They created a community where no one was left behind (Acts 2). As believers, we are called to live out this same example—a community where everyone, including widows and orphans, is cared for and valued.

In conclusion, we know this: God is close to the brokenhearted (Ps. 34:18), and He will protect and provide for the underprivileged—widows and orphans. We are called to take part in this mission by caring for and providing for them. May God enable us to be compassionate, loving, and gracious toward the underprivileged in our communities and neighborhoods.