From the earliest days of His Word, God has called on His people to care for orphans so that He may “bless you in all the works of your hands.” (Deuteronomy 14:29, 24:19) The Biblical mandate for Hope for the Fatherless is clear:
- Defend the cause of the fatherless (Deuteronomy 10:18; Isaiah 1:17)
- Engage the Church in the fields of the fatherless (Deuteronomy 14:28-29, 24:19-22; Proverbs 19:17)
- Rescue & deliver the weak and needy (Psalm 82:3-4)
- Look after orphans (James 1:27)
- Encourage orphans with God’s plan of hope and a future through Jesus Christ (Jeremiah 29:11; John 3:16; Matthew 28:19-20)
This is not a request: “I am commanding you to do this thing.” (Deuteronomy 24:22)
“When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat the olives from your trees, do not go over the branches a second time. Leave what remains for the alien, the fatherless and the widow. When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the alien, the fatherless and the widow.” - Deuteronomy 24:19-21