Caring for the fatherless, along with widows and strangers, is a vital expression of pure religion before God. We must keep our eyes open to the day-to-day difficulties faced by single mothers and their children, who may be struggling financially or otherwise. Are the single mom and her kids always running close to the edge? Can we include them in our dinner or outing plans at the Feast of Tabernacles? Prayer is a powerful tool; we can compile a personal list of people to pray for, bringing their problems before God to seek His help, guidance, and relief. Encouragement through a call, note, or small monetary gift, if feasible and legitimate, can show we are aware of their needs and available to help. Physically helping, such as assisting with moves or daily tasks, is also crucial, as seen in past efforts to support single mothers in changing homes or apartments. Being alert to ongoing challenges, even after initial crises pass, ensures we continue to support the fatherless in their lingering needs. Opportunities to serve are abundant if we choose not to ignore them, reflecting our duty to live godly lives and care for those in need as God desires.

Our God has called us to serve Him and others with humility, being especially sensitive to the needs of the socially and economically limited: the widow, the orphan, and the stranger. We are to provide help when we see a genuine need among them. God stresses helping the fatherless, widows, and strangers because they are the weakest among us, often unable to work due to illness, infirmities, or other debilitating circumstances. David writes in Psalm 68:5 that God is a father of the fatherless and a defender of widows in His holy habitation. In Jeremiah 49:11, God declares that He will preserve the fatherless children alive and calls widows to trust in Him. Through Jeremiah, God commands His people to stop taking advantage of foreigners, orphans, and widows, placing their care near the top of the list of reforms needed to return to a proper relationship with Him. God's ordering of this priority emphasizes the importance of protecting and looking out for the weak among us.