HOW OTHERS CAN HELP

The support and help of fellow Christians is invaluable.  James 1:27 says:  "The form of worship that  is clean and undefiled  from the standpoint of our God and Father is this:  to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation."  Yes, Christians are obliged to assist single-parent families. What are some practical ways in which this might be done?

Material help can be given.  The Bible says:  "Whoever has this world's means for supporting life and beholds his brother having need and  yet shuts the door of his tender compassion upon him, in what way does the love of God remain in him? (1 John 3:17)  The original Greek word for "beholds" means, not just  casual glance, but a deliberate gaze.  This indicates that a kindly Christian might first become familiar with  a family's circumstances and needs.  Perhaps they are in need of money.  Some may need help with household repairs. Or they might simply appreciate being invited over for a meal or a social gathering.  

In addition. 1 Peter 3:8 says: "All of you be like minded, showing fellow feeling, having brotherly affection, tenderly compassionate." Said one single parent with six children:  "Its been hard and sometimes I get weighed down.  However, once in a while one of the brothers or sisters will say to me: 'Joan, you're doing a good job. Its going to be worth it.'  Just to know that others are thinking of you and that they care is so helpful."  Older Christian women who are single parents, offering them a listening ear when they have problems that might be awkward for them to discuss with a man. 

Christian men can help out in other ways.  The righteous man Job said:  "I would rescue . . . the fatherless boy and anyone that had no helper." (Job 29:12) Some Christian men today likewise take a wholesome interest in fatherless children and show genuine "love out of a clean heart," having no ulterior  motives. (1 Timothy 1:5) Without neglecting their own families, they might occasionally arrange to work with such young ones in the Christian ministry and might also invite them to share in family study or in recreation. Such kindness could very well rescue  a fatherless child from a wayward course.

Ultimately, of course, single parents have to 'carry their own load' of responsibility.  (Galatians 6:5) Nevertheless, they can have the love of Christian brothers and sisters and of Jehovah God himself.  The Bible says of him:  "The fatherless boy and the widow he relieves." (Psalm 146:9)  With His loving support, single-parent families can succeed!

Next time:WHEN A FAMILY MEMBER IS SICK, CHAPTER TEN

From the book: THE SECRET OF FAMILY HAPPINESS, 1996