FAITH WITH WORKS

FAITH WITH WORKS

READ:
James 2:14-26

Faith by itself, if it does not have
works, is dead. -James 2:17

Because of his arthritis, Roger could no longer handle the winters of Illinois, so he moved to tropical Bangkok, Thailand.  One day he remembered his grandmother's favorite song, "What You are":  What you are speaks so loud that the world can't hear what you say; they're looking at your walk, not listening to your talk; they're judging from your actions every day.

This song prompted Roger to feed the homeless who stayed along a half-mile stretch of road.  Every morning, he served hot food to more than 45 families.  Years later, one of the homeless women came to know Jesus as Savior and sought out Roger to thank him for introducing her to the love of Christ.

In James, we are clearly told that faith without works is dead (2:17).  It does not mean that works will result in faith, but that good works will affirm that our faith is real.   It is easy to say we believe in God, but only our works can prove the truthfulness of our words.  Abraham was an example of this.  He didn't just talk about his faith; he demonstrated it by his willingness to give up his only son in obedience to God (James 2:21-24; see Genesis 22:1-18).  And Isaac was spared.

Today, how can we actively demonstrate our love for God and trust in Him? -Albert Lee

Faith is the power that prompts us to go
And give to the hungering, bread-
Faith means much more than a doctrine or two,
For faith without works is dead. -Woodrum
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What matters is not faith and works;
it is not faith or works, it is faith that works.

INSIGHT
The proper understanding of what James is teaching here is that works are the byproduct of our faith.  Our works do not produce faith (see Ephesians 2:8-10); they are the evidence of it.

Have a blessed day and weekend.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace