Charles Spurgeon Commentary James 1:27

"Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep oneself unspotted from the world." — James 1:27 (ASV)

And undefiled before God and the Father is this, –

What is pure ritualism according to the inspired apostle? To wear a white surplice, and to change it for a black gown? I do not see that in the Scriptures. To have little boys in white to sing for you? I do not see that; but what I do see is this, –

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

This is not the secret part of religion. Of that we read elsewhere.

But this is the very dress that true religion puts on; charitably caring for the most destitute of our fellow-creatures, and holy walking, that we may not be as the men of the world are: Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Pure religion –

It might be rendered, "Pure ritualism" –

To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

I should like to have such a choir as this, a company of Christian men and women robed in unspotted holiness. We shall have such a choir as that around the eternal throne, so they who wish to be there had better begin to practice the music here. The Lord help you to do so, for Christ's sake! Amen.

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Oh, how much this means—tenderness to others, and tenderness of conscience in ourselves! How much grace we need in order that these two virtues may shine brightly within us!