Faith Without Works

My two favorite books of the Bible are Romans and James, because they really demonstrate what the mindset and life of a believer should look like. Today I’m reading out of James.

“My dear brothers and sisters, what good is it if someone claims to have faith but demonstrates no good works to prove it? How could this kind of faith save anyone? For example, if a brother or sister in the faith is poorly clothed and hungry and you leave them saying ‘Good-bye. I hope you stay warm and have plenty to eat,’ but you don’t provide them with a coat or even a cup of soup, what good is your faith? So then faith that doesn’t involve action is phony. But someone might object and say ‘One person has faith and another person has works.’ Go ahead then and prove to me that you have faith without works and I will show you faith by my works as proof that I believe. You can believe all you want that there is one true God, that’s wonderful! But even the demons know this and tremble with fear before him, yet they’re unchanged- they remain demons.” James 2:14-19

Yes- there are times that we really can’t do anything BUT pray. So when a friend on social media shares that they are struggling, we often comment “Praying!” But if there is a need you can meet, it is your responsibility to do more than pray. Many pray, but never actual meet the need.

On Jonathan’s birthday, he and I were out for lunch. When we left the restaurant to walk to the car, a gentleman on a bike stopped and told us he was hungry and didn’t have any money. How horrible would it have been if we said, “Sorry man, I hope you find some money so you can eat!” or even worse- if we demonstrated the faith without works that makes all Christians look bad, “I’ll pray that you get some money so you can eat.” This is how sad and ridiculous it is when Christians don’t seek to meet needs with works. Works are a demonstration of your faith- proof that your words aren’t just words. (Yes- we did end up buying him a meal.)

So when you have the opportunity to meet someone’s need- do it. Buy them a meal, give them a coat- do SOMETHING.

“You can believe all you want that there is one true God, that’s wonderful! But even the demons know this and tremble with fear before him, yet they’re unchanged- they remain demons.” James 2:19