Care of Orphans
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us to love them as He has loved us in our sins and waywardness. Love
is the agency through which God works to draw the heart to Him, for
“God is love.” In every enterprise of mercy this principle alone can
give efficiency; the finite must unite with the Infinite.
This work for others will require effort, self-denial, and self-
sacrifice. But what is the little sacrifice that we can make in com-
parison with the sacrifice which God has made for us in the gift of His
only-begotten Son?
God imparts His blessing to us that we may impart to others. When
we ask Him for our daily bread, He looks into our hearts to see if we
will share the same with those more needy than ourselves. When we
pray, “God be merciful to me a sinner,” He watches to see if we will
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manifest compassion toward those with whom we associate. This is
the evidence of our connection with God, that we are merciful even as
our Father in heaven is merciful.
God is always giving; and upon whom are His gifts bestowed?
Upon those who are faultless in character? “He maketh His sun to rise
on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the
unjust.”
Matthew 5:45
. Notwithstanding the sinfulness of humanity,
notwithstanding that we so often grieve the heart of Christ and prove
ourselves most undeserving, yet when we ask His forgiveness, He does
not turn us away. His love is freely extended to us, and He bids us:
Love one another as I have loved you.
John 13:34
.
Brethren and sisters, I ask you to consider this matter carefully.
Think of the wants of the fatherless and motherless. Are not your
hearts stirred as you witness their sufferings? See if something cannot
be done for the care of these helpless ones. As far as lies in your
power, make a home for the homeless. Let everyone stand ready to
act a part in helping forward this work. The Lord said to Peter: “Feed
My lambs.” This command is to us, and by opening our homes for the
orphans we aid in its fulfillment. Let not Jesus be disappointed in you.
Take these children and present them to God as a fragrant offer-
ing. Ask His blessing upon them, and then mold and fashion them
according to Christ’s order. Will our people accept this holy trust?
Because of our shallow piety and worldly ambition, shall those for
whom Christ has died be left to suffer, to go in wrong paths?
The word of God abounds with instruction as to how we should
treat the widow, the fatherless, and the needy, suffering poor. If all