The church is carefully constructed to take care of those who have no biological family. The family of God provides what family members might be missing in this world. God brings the fatherless into His household of spiritual brothers, sisters, fathers, and mothers: “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit” (Eph. 2:19-22).

The church has dedicated a specific office, deacon, to allocate time to care for widows: “Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, ‘It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word’” (Acts 6:1-4).

The direct point of this passage is the requirement to care for widows; it is not a new requirement to establish programs or committees. While care for widows was not the only duty of deacons, it is striking to note the clear instructions and accountabilities for this important ministry.

The family is also supposed to care for the fatherless and widow, but in a more intimate manner than the church. First, Moses communicates a principle that the family ought to provide some type of subsistence for the fatherless and widow (Deut. 24:19-21). In addition, families ought to be given to hospitality (Rom. 12:13) and, therefore, include the fatherless and widow in their homes. This expresses the heart of God who Himself “sets the solitary in families” (Ps. 68:6). Instead of putting single people with single people, God puts singles in families. Ultimately, God provides Himself to comfort and guide youth without parents: “Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me” (Ps. 27:10). Thus, there is a sense that families bear a part of the responsibility of the evangelization and discipleship of fatherless children (Job 29:11-13, 31:16-17, 31:22).