JUNE 17, Deuteronomy 10:17-18

There are certain groups of people God specially cares for. They are the orphans, the strangers and the widows. Orphans certainly are very pitiful as they have lost their parents, their nearest and dearest guardians. The strangers too, tend to be poor, and lonely, being far away from home and without friends. Widows are women who have lost their husbands.

We have learnt that women in Biblical times, worked hard at home for the family but did not hold any job or bring in any income. They depended on their husbands entirely for money to feed, clothe and house the family. They also could not inherit anything from their husbands. So, when their husbands die, they had to depend on charity. They and their children lived on donations and were permitted to glean the fields or pick up leftovers from the harvests of the landowners. Widows were not only poor but were often bullied for they had no husbands to protect them.

God is great and good. He has compassion especially for the lowliest. He will not only provide for them but also protect them. There are commandments which God has given to provide for and protect the strangers, fatherless and widows. For example, part of the tithe would be for the Levites, strangers, fatherless and widows. God also forbid the harvesters to clean out the fruits like the corn, the grapes and olives from the fields. Some must be left for the needy. God will also not allow anyone to take advantage of the widows. Those who ill-treat them will be punished.

Even the disciples and the church in the New Testaments days were concerned when the widows were neglected. They chose some godly members to take care of them and all the needy. Why did the Bible specially mention the widows? It is because they represent the lowliest people – the poor and needy as well as the weak and defenceless. How should you treat them if you find any of them in your neighbourhood, among your friends, in church or at school? God wants us to be compassionate to them.

In school, are you kind to the weak or slow? Do you help a child who may not be as talented as you in studies, or who may have some physical ailment? When classmates return to class after being away perhaps because of illness, would you assist them and tell them what they missed in lessons?

Thought: Am I kind to the weak and slow?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me a tender heart to care for others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.