Big Idea
To follow our Father, we must grow His heart for the widow, orphan and the sojourner.
Ice Breaker
Think about how you felt when you temporarily lost someone you were responsible for. Share with the group what feelings were stirred in you as you searched. Then, discuss how you felt when the child was found.
The way we feel when someone we love is lost how God feels for anyone who is oppressed–most commonly widows, orphans, and sojourners in the Ancient Near-East. To be God’s people is to notice these people.
Additional Discussion Questions
Biblical justice:
“Biblical justice is not acting or thinking aggressively on our private sense of right and wrong. Instead, it is ordering our thoughts and lives around a biblical construction of the world and culture. In a biblically ordered world Jesus is central to everything followed closely by human dignity thereby creating a society whose essence is loving God and loving others.”
Discuss how you as a group can “order your lives” to reflect the heart of God toward widows, orphans, or sojourners. Think about a practical way your group can serve together at a local ministry.
Contact Sylvia Veal or Carol Gates for more information on local ministries that would love to have your group come and help a time or two in the coming year. Remember, our Father says to look for them because they have been forgotten.
Think about what obstacles are between you and the next step toward growing a heart like the Father’s toward the widow, orphan and sojourner in your personal or family life.
Here are some examples of obstacles others have faced:
- Fear of losing personal peace or money security.
- Will it change my retirement date or quality of life?
- Fear that it just won’t work.
- Will the next step disrupt my rhythm of life?
- Am I equipped to care well for this person?
Share your thoughts with the group.