“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” – James 1:27
There are many children in Uganda, but one particular child holds a special place in my heart. His name is Benedict, and I have been supporting him through CARITAS For Children’s Catholic child sponsorship programs since the beginning of 2015. I had the chance to visit him and his classmates for a few weeks during my recent trip to Uganda with my fiancé Catherine and CARITAS Founder Christopher Hoar.
My relationship with Benedict has already taught me a lot about love. He is an orphan, and although I feel more like his big brother than a father-figure, getting to know him has given me a true glimpse into what it feels like for a dad to love his child.
A good dad does not love his child based upon the child’s accomplishments or physical attributes. He loves his child simply because the child is his. I met several beautiful children at the various schools in Nkokonjeru, and each encounter moved my heart. However, there was something unique about meeting Benedict. He wasn’t just any child; he was “my child,” not in a possessive way but in a relational way. He was the child whom I had chosen to sponsor.
You see, love is born from relationship. Here is an example. Think about the woman who gave birth to you. You could refer to her as “a mother.” Or, you could refer to her as “my mother.” The latter title carries a greater depth and meaning, because it indicates a specific relationship. Such relational bonds connect us to others in ways that foster more profound, unconditional love.
Benedict and his cousin, Daniela, with their aunt who brings them to and from school.
The good news is that God loves you and me in this way. He looks at each one of us and thinks, “my child.”
This kind of love runs deep and does not withdraw itself in the face of wrongdoing. Here’s an example: Benedict’s glowing grin, cheerful personality, and typically respectful behavior are extremely endearing. However, like many children, he can occasionally be a bit of a rascal in class. When he would choose to misbehave, I did not approve of his behavior, yet I loved him nonetheless and would have given away my arm to see him smile.
That is how God the Father loves us, His children. Having come to know that feeling firsthand through my relationship with Benedict has been an incredible blessing. Therefore, I encourage you to build new relationships and deepen those you already have, so that you too may experience and share more fully in God’s love.
Lord God, Almighty Father, give us greater confidence in your love for us. Help us to know and embrace our identity as your sons and daughters. Fill us with greater love for you and your people, particularly orphaned children and those most in need. Amen.