"Pure religion and undefiled is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." - James 1:27
The King James Study Bible notes tells us, "James identifies true religion as involving two actions: service and separation which relate to two basic attributes of God: Love and Holiness."
We show love when we serve others, and we show holiness when we are separated from the world and are thereby not contaminated with sin by becoming worldly.
The word religion in the Greek (threskei) can also be translated worship. The word religion has shifted in meaning today than what was meant back when it was first translated into English. The word religion meant rather worship. Strong's Concordance gives the meaning as both religion and worshipping.
"The feeling is one thing, the expression of it is another. The feeling is religion, the expression of it is worship." Therefore,in James 1:27, he was "not talking about religion, but about its expression, worship."
"James described religion by its fruits, and that on two sides: first, that of love and mercy; secondly, that of purity from worldly defilements."
It should be noted that this verse was an example to follow. The fatherless and the widow were most vulnerable and usually had the most need, so James used them as examples, but the principle applies to others in need as well. As believers, we are to serve God by serving our fellowman. And by visiting the needy, James meant more than a social visit, of course. James meant to serve them, to help them in any way possible. Doing so reflects the love of the heavenly Father, and it is our privilege to help the needy. It is obeying God to do so. It is also a sign that you are a true believer and that you have love from the Father working in your life; the Holy Spirit is within you.
"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." - Matthew 5:8
The heart is the center of one's being, including mind, will and emotions. To have a pure heart, you need to be a true believer, filled with the Holy Spirit. You need to have been born again (John 3:3) and you need to have a close, personal, intimate, love relationship with God through Jesus Christ. You do this by much prayer and Bible study; that is how you come to truly know the Lord.
It is all about love. Beneficence comes from a heart full of love.
You can trust God ! He loves you ! Take everything to Him in prayer. Ask Him for an extra portion of His Holy Spirit. Ask Him for guidance and to fill your heart to overflowing with love for others. God answers prayers that are within His will.
If you have never been born again, it is critical that you go now to the Lord in prayer, asking for forgiveness and truly repenting of your sins, never to go back to a life of sin again. Believe with every ounce of your being that Jesus is the Savior, the Redeemer, and that at the cross He shed His blood for you and for all who would have faith and believe in Him; for all who also believe He rose again from the dead, thereby making a way for true believers to have everlasting life.
Don't delay.
Jesus could return at any moment.
You do not want to be left behind and thereby suffer the torments and judgments which occur during the following 7 year tribulation.
Jesus Loves You !
He is waiting to hear from you!
He will welcome you with open arms of love and pardon!
Romans 10:9,10,13 urges us: (9) "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
John 14:2-3 says, (2) "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. "
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." - John 14:6
