James 2:14-26

 Faith - pistis - persuasion, credence, conviction - of truth or the truthfulness of God; reliance upon Christ for salvation; constancy in such profession ; assurance, belief;  Related to the word peithô - the verb that means to convince; to assent - to evidence or authority; to rely - by inward certainty; agree, assure, believe, have confidence, obey, trust, yield;

James writes that faith without works is dead.  He says that  believing is not enough, for even the demons believe in God.. and they certainly are not saved.  He gives the example of Abraham, who's faith was "reckoned to him as righteousness".. but who acted out of that faith by offering Isaac as a sacrifice in obedience to God's command.  Also, Rahab, acted out of faith when she helped the spies escape from Jericho.  "For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also is faith without works is dead." 

What kind of "work" is James talking about?  He tells us, " If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,' and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?" ( v16)

This whole discussion illustrates what James wrote in verse 13 " For judgement will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgement".  When we act.. when we show mercy.. this is living faith.  It is not dead, nor is it useless.

Jesus has something to say about this too.. Luke 6: 35 - 36  "But love your enemies, and do good and lend expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to the ungrateful and evil men.  Be merciful just as your Father is merciful." 

We are saved by grace through faith.. not by the works of the Law.  But, when we have put our faith in Jesus Christ and He is Lord of our lives, that faith will be put to action as we are transformed into His image.  All the riches of Christ are ours - riches of kindness, forbearance, patience, grace, wisdom and knowledge.  What we receive freely, Jesus tells us, freely give!   " Give and it will be given to you; good measure,  pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by the standard of your  measure it will be measured to you in return."  Luke 6:38

This was my grandson's memory verse this week.. how like God to use it to speak to me as I helped him work on it.

Lord God, I am listening. Help me to obey Your voice and to pour out Your gifts to those who are in need.. Open my eyes and fill my heart with mercy to share with those I see.  Amen.