James 2:14-26
Wednesday, 26 February 2025
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” -James 2:17
Faith in Christ by itself isn’t a singular aspect of the Christian life. If we declare to have faith, other accompanying features are expected in our Christian walk. Faith must work, it must produce and it must be visible. Verbal faith is not enough; mental faith is insufficient—faith in Christ must inspire us into action.
In this epistle to Jewish believers, the apostle James stresses the importance of true faith in practical everyday life. He highlights two elements of faith that the disciples of Christ must possess for the world around us to observe the evidence of our faith in Christ.
The first part of James chapter 2, from Verses 1-14 stress on Impartial Love. In a world that is divided by its race, region and riches, many churches are no different. Very often we forget Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Though the first century Christians claimed they had faith, their actions displayed prejudices and favoritism—these cannot co-exist. Jesus never treated any one who came to him differently. He died for all mankind opening heaven to all who would put their faith in Him. If so, who are we to treat differently, the poor who are rich in faith (V.5)? We are to love our fellow brethren in church equally. Jesus said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Is this practiced in our churches today? If not we have sinned and have broken the law (V.9). May we repent and ask the Holy Spirit to pour His love into our hearts.
The second part, which is our text for today stresses on Effective Work: Faith displays itself in works. Faith without works cannot be called faith. Faith is more than mere words and knowledge; instead faith is: “What you do when you have to do it.” James here talks about 2 kinds of works that is an outcome of faith:
Works towards fellow man: James from vs 14-18 speaks of the importance of a Christian’s response toward the needs of a Christian brother/sister. This is a responsibility placed on us. If the need of the hour is physical, emotional or financial support, we cannot walk away from that place after saying a prayer on how God can take care of their need. That is faith without works and that is dead! God will expect us to be His hands, heart and legs and do what He would do if He were there!
Works towards God: What set apart Abraham distinctively from others and earned him the title of “Father of Faith” was his obedience. He proved he had faith by obeying the One who called him. So did Rahab, and she is privileged to be in the genealogy of Jesus all because of her obedience to the God of Israel. If we claim that we have put our faith in God, it needs to be demonstrated in our implicit obedience to the Word. In Hebrews 11, we meet the faith heroes of the past who stood out among the many through the ages because of their response to God’s word. Today if you and I claim to be people who have faith in Jesus Christ, how quick are we to obey Him?
So brethren, the call for us today is to demonstrate our faith through actions. May others see our faith in Christ Jesus as a living and working faith!
Prayer: Dear Jesus, You revealed Your love by laying down Your life for me. May my faith in You work in me and demonstrate Your love through me to others.
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