James 2:17
So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.
I have to agree with James. Actions speak louder than words. I can profess all the day long to be a Christian, but if people don't perceive me acting like one, how could I possibly hope to bring them to the faith? Admittedly, we are first saved by grace through belief in Christ Jesus and asking Him to be Lord of our lives but, if we truly love Him, we will do what He commanded: To love our neighbor as ourselves. And, that requires action! This is no couch-potato faith; it's a get-our-into-the-world-and-make-disciples-for-Him faith. As the Lord said: "Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40) The world will know we are Christians by our love.
I will leave you today with this question to ponder: If faith is dead apart from works, are works dead apart from faith? There's something to contemplate! I look forward to seeing your thoughts and opinions on the comment feed here or on Facebook.
Blessings, my friends!
Readings
Psalms 26, 28 or 36, 39
1 Kings 8:65-9:9
James 2:14-26
Mark 14:66-72
If there is no love or compassion in one's action to others then it becomes just an action. This serves no purpose. The connection of doing and feeling has to be there... just like when one does for a child or loved one.
ReplyDeleteGreat question....
Great answer, Savira! Thanks for taking the time to comment. :)
ReplyDeleteAmen! Sure, without faith, I could do something nice and smile at others, but there was nothing more behind it... My faith in God allows these actions to be full of love and His spirit which I pray will let others known the same love!
ReplyDeleteAmen back, Lindsay! I agree; anyone can be pleasant to another because it's socially acceptable, then turn right around and be rude or insulting to someone else because they don't have the internal rudder of God's love to guide them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting! :)
Very good question! I would have to say that the deeds mean more to me and, therefore, yes. They do mean something apart from faith, but faith means little without deeds.
ReplyDelete