Pure Religion

James tells us that the purest form of religion is visiting those who have nothing to give back.

Sisters Beryl and Eunice live in a small, concrete house just down the road from the Broughton Ecclesial Hall in Jamaica. The yard is kept trimmed by the resident goats and bordered by a wrought-iron fence. My brother, Dave, and I had just come from a sweltering memorial service in the hall, and we stopped by to see how the sisters were doing, as it had been a while since we’d last visited Broughton.

After parking the car on the side of the dirt road and shouting some greetings through the fence to make sure someone was available, we made our way through the gate to meet Sis. Beryl on the porch. Another lady living in their home let us in and then disappeared into the back while we sat to wait for Beryl. It took a few minutes for Beryl to join us because she didn’t feel well, and her feet were bothering her. She dearly wishes she could go to meeting to see her brothers and sisters, and she was glad we were able to visit.

We decided to do a reading from John and took turns reading around, leaning in close and talking loudly because it’s hard for her to hear. We sang a few of her favorite hymns afterwards and briefly stopped in Sis. Eunice’s room as well. Eunice is mostly confined to bed and nearly deaf. She gestured to her ears with some resignation when we greeted her, but we were able to squeeze her hands and smile, and the meaning carried through. It wasn’t a long visit, but we decided to leave to allow everyone to rest.

On the drive back to Negril, we reflected on visiting. Sometimes, it feels inefficient or ineffective to travel thousands of miles with great effort to only spend an achingly small amount of time with someone. Why aren’t we better at conversation? At singing? At being uplifting? At understanding? Why are we even asking these questions, doubting our purpose?

James tells us that the purest form of religion is visiting those who have nothing to give back. Jesus reminds us that the amount of something matters far less than what we do with it. Peter encourages us to build on faith with virtue, then godliness, brotherly affection and finally love. It is love that keeps us from being ineffective. Love is key. 

Later in Negril, we had a chance to visit with Bro. Ray, to discuss the readings again, talk and laugh for hours. Ray hasn’t been able to attend meeting for several months and struggles with the burden that age now puts on him. But he is always thoughtful, considering what he can learn from whatever situation he finds himself in. The lesson for him is the lesson for us: make use of what God gives you. 

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. (James 1:27 ESV). 

Nathan Giordano,
CBMA Link for Jamaica