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Chapter 13—The Helpless Poor
When all has been done that can be done in helping the poor
to help themselves, there still remain the widow, the fatherless, the
aged, the helpless, and the sick, who need sympathy and care. Never
should these be neglected. God Himself has committed them to the
mercy, love, and tender care of all whom He has made His stewards.
“As we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those
who are of the household of faith.”
Galatians 6:10
.
In a special sense, Christ has laid upon His church the duty of
caring for the needy among its own members. He permits His poor
to be in every church. They are always to be among us, and He
places upon the members of the church a personal responsibility to
care for them.
As the members of a true family care for one another, ministering
to the sick, supporting the weak, teaching the ignorant, training the
inexperienced, so is “the household of faith” to care for its needy
and helpless ones. Upon no consideration are these to be passed by.
Widows and Orphans
The widow and the fatherless are the objects of the Lord’s special
care.
“A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows,
Is God in His holy habitation.”
“‘Your Maker is your husband,
The Lord of hosts is His name;
And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel;
He is called the God of the whole earth.’”
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“‘Leave your fatherless children,
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