What Does It Mean to Visit the Poor?

Sometimes a literal reading of a word in the Bible can limit our understanding of a deeper concept.

Sometimes we can read over clear statements in the Scriptures—statements that should correct us—without our conscience being jogged. This can be because we are not aware or are only vaguely aware that there is a situation that needs correcting. Sometimes, in addition, a familiar scripture may not give the message that was intended if it is not translated clearly.

One such scripture is James 1:27, which says that “pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”

This verse may create a picture in your mind of going to sit and talk with a needy or lonely family or person in their home—to “visit” them, as we use the word in English. However a closer look at the word translated “visit” in this verse is much more instructive.

The Greek word used here is episkeptomai and means essentially to “inspect”—in other words, to go see for a particular purpose. It has three main uses, but here it is used not just to mean “to go see” but “to visit with helpful intent” (Danker’s Greek-English Lexicon).

In Acts 7:23 it is used to describe Moses going to check out the burdens his brother Israelites were carrying (Exodus 2:11). In Luke 1:68 it is used in the context of redemption (“Blessed is the Lord God of Israel for He has visited and redeemed His people”). In Hebrews 2:6 episkeptomai is translated “take care of” in the sense of exercising oversight or looking after (“What is man that you are mindful of him, or the son of man that you take care of him?”).

In addition, it is interesting that in the Old Testament the Hebrew word translated “visit” most often (paqad, H6485) usually speaks of God and implies some action, either positive (as when God visits the Israelites in their slavery and delivers them from it) or negative (where He visits them with punishment for their sins).

This creates quite a different picture from our usage of the word visit in the English language, in which it may mean to visit someone for the sole reason of exchanging pleasantries or sympathies, to socialize or keep someone company for a while. It is better understood to mean a visit in order to make a difference in someone’s life, to bring support or deliverance from his or her situation.

God’s instructions become real and alive

How much more practical and down to earth God’s Word is than we are! As humans, we tend to etherealize religion (and sometimes we tend to read an ethereal message into a scripture). Sentiment is easier for us than actual works. We tend to think of prayer in place of helping out, or we send a card instead of actually asking, “What can I do?” We may find pleasure in giving money for those in a foreign land (not to be forgotten) while being blissfully unaware of a member’s situation in our own congregation. Prayer, cards and contributions are very important, but we shouldn’t let them blind us to what else we could and should do.

God is supremely practical, and He expects us to be too. Is there someone in need in your congregation? If you don’t know, make it a point to find out. Many of those in need don’t talk about it openly.

The people you may not know about

You may be surprised to find that there are quite a few people in the Church who have to ask the Church for financial assistance. It may be surprising to find there are some people who are dependent on a church assistance check each month in order to survive because of disability or chronic disorders. One of the great myths in our American culture is that the government will take care of anyone who cannot take care of themselves. The truth is that there are very significant gaps in what federal assistance covers.

As time goes on and this world becomes a more and more difficult place in which to survive, God’s people will be tested to see if we can share with each other. Actually we have been tested all along in this area—the poor have been with us always. But recent events in the economy and future events—that may not be so far in the future—will test us even more. We must determine that visiting each other in our needs will be done with the goal to make a real difference in each other’s lives.

Susan Herrmann is a member with roots in the early years of WCG. She is a jewelry designer/artist and seller of collectibles and books online. She enjoys ancient history and archaeology and lives with her sister in Ohio.

For more about understanding the Bible, see the “Bible Study” section of our new website LifeHopeandTruth.com.