|
I think any child who needs a family can safely be considered an "orphan" when considering the intent of this verse. If an older woman didn't have family meeting her needs, and needed a leaky roof fixed, do you really think it would matter if she was a widow or had never been married? The verse is a commandment to care for the most vulnerable and needy in society.
Your own definition list includes those who are "deprived of some protection or advantage." Foster children, or children in "orphanages" overseas, are most definately deprived of protection.
Our adoption/foster care ministry at our church also uses James 1:27 as it's theme verse. Any child in need is certainly covered under the intent of this verse.
|