The term "uncared-for" in a biblical context often refers to individuals or groups who are neglected, marginalized, or lacking in basic needs and attention. The Bible, particularly in its teachings and narratives, emphasizes the importance of caring for those who are uncared-for, highlighting God's compassion and the call for His followers to emulate this attribute.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the concept of caring for the uncared-for is deeply rooted in the laws and teachings given to the Israelites. The Mosaic Law includes numerous provisions for the protection and support of the vulnerable, such as widows, orphans, and foreigners. For instance, Deuteronomy 10:18 states, "He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing." This verse underscores God's concern for those who are often uncared-for in society.

The prophets also echo this theme, calling out the Israelites for neglecting the needs of the marginalized. Isaiah 1:17 urges, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor; defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." Such passages highlight the expectation that God's people should actively care for those who are uncared-for.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies the care for the uncared-for through His ministry. He consistently reaches out to those marginalized by society, including lepers, the poor, and sinners. In Matthew 25:35-36, Jesus teaches about the final judgment, saying, "For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you looked after Me; I was in prison and you visited Me." This passage illustrates the importance of caring for the uncared-for as a reflection of one's faith and love for Christ.

The early church also took this mandate seriously, as seen in Acts 6:1-7, where the apostles appoint deacons to ensure that the needs of widows are met. James 1:27 further reinforces this, stating, "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."

Theological Implications

Theologically, the care for the uncared-for is a reflection of God's character and His kingdom values. It is an expression of agape love, which is selfless and sacrificial. The Bible presents God as a defender of the weak and a provider for those in need, and His followers are called to mirror these attributes in their lives.

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) serves as a powerful illustration of this principle. The Samaritan, unlike the priest and the Levite, stops to care for the wounded man, demonstrating that true neighborly love transcends social and ethnic boundaries. This parable challenges believers to extend care and compassion to all, especially those who are uncared-for.

Practical Application

In practical terms, caring for the uncared-for involves both individual and communal efforts. It includes acts of charity, advocacy for justice, and the establishment of systems that support the vulnerable. The church is called to be a community where the needs of the uncared-for are met, reflecting the love and grace of God to the world.

The biblical mandate to care for the uncared-for remains relevant today, urging believers to actively seek out and support those who are neglected or marginalized in society. Through such actions, Christians bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel and the love of Christ.

Sparrows and Altars
... And he thinks to himself, 'If I can say "My King and my God," surely He that takes
care of them will not leave me uncared for.' The unrest of the soul that is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/sparrows and altars.htm

Building for Community Service
... provided for. But the needs of the young people under sixteen years of age
and many other community needs were still uncared for. The ...
/.../vogt/church cooperation in community life/chapter v building for community.htm

How the Slothful and the Hasty are to be Admonished.
... For, because it braces not itself towards higher things, it lets itself run loose
uncared for in lower desires; and, while not braced with the vigour of lofty ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xv how the slothful.htm

August Herrmann Franke
... Its population was excessively poor and totally uncared for; he laboured as their
pastor, gave relief to the poor in a systematic manner, sought out employment ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/august herrmann franke.htm

Psalm XXXIII.
... ver.12): and which not of itself, but by the gift of God, hath been chosen, that
He by possessing it may not suffer it to be uncared for and miserable. 13. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxiii.htm

The vices and Errors of the Philosophers.
... the care of Providence; and so, being nearer the earth than the moon, and below
its orbit, they themselves look after what is thus left uncared for; and as for ...
/.../tatian/tatians address to the greeks/chapter ii the vices and errors.htm

How Vainglory Attacks a Monk on the Right had and on the Left.
... devil cannot create vainglory in a man by means of his well-fitting and neat dress,
he tries to introduce it by means of a dirty, cheap, and uncared-for style. ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter iv how vainglory attacks.htm

Alive unto God.
... work. And what we have to do we must do alone. The majority of men who live
the life of duty do so unnoticed and uncared for. They ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon xli alive unto god.htm

Antony, However, According to his Custom, Returned Alone to his ...
... mountain, and at the foot of the mountain ran a clear spring, whose waters were
sweet and very cold; outside there was a plain and a few uncared-for palm trees ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/life of antony section 45.htm

Past Knowledge.
... world we are too much inclined to surround ourselves with a circle of friends and
acquaintances, and to leave the rest of the world unknown and uncared for. ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon li past knowledge.htm

Uncared-for (2 Occurrences)
Uncared-for. Uncared, Uncared-for. Unceasing . Multi-Version
Concordance Uncared-for (2 Occurrences). Leviticus 25:5 ...
/u/uncared-for.htm - 7k

Uncared (1 Occurrence)
... Uncared (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 14:5 And the roe, giving birth in the field, lets
her young one be uncaredfor, because there is no grass. (BBE). ...
/u/uncared.htm - 6k

Growth (77 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 25:5 That which comes to growth of itself may not be cut, and the grapes
of your uncared-for vines may not be taken off; let it be a year of rest for ...
/g/growth.htm - 29k

Unceasing (11 Occurrences)

/u/unceasing.htm - 9k

Vines (39 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 25:5 That which comes to growth of itself may not be cut, and the grapes
of your uncared-for vines may not be taken off; let it be a year of rest for ...
/v/vines.htm - 18k

Litter (1 Occurrence)
... 4. (n.) Disorder or untidiness resulting from scattered rubbish, or from thongs
lying about uncaredfor; as, a room in a state of litter. ...
/l/litter.htm - 9k

Rizpah (4 Occurrences)
... At any rate, he remembered the uncared-for bones of Jonathan and Saul lying in ignominy
at Jabesh-gilead, whither they had been carried by stealth after the ...
/r/rizpah.htm - 10k

Careless (10 Occurrences)
... a careless expression. 4. (a.) Not receiving care; uncaredfor. Int. Standard
Bible Encyclopedia. CARELESS; CARELESSLY. kar'-les, kar ...
/c/careless.htm - 11k

Lets (31 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Jeremiah 14:5 And the roe, giving birth in the field, lets her young
one be uncaredfor, because there is no grass. (BBE). ...
/l/lets.htm - 14k

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