Read James 2:14-17

Read James 2:14-17

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Reflect

This passage stands in stark contrast to the idea that faith is all Jesus asks of us. How does James' point mesh with your definition of faith?

Respond

We need to know it's OK to feel tension about certain passages of Scripture. If this text creates tension in you, practice acknowledging it to God and asking him for more and more insight into the truth of his word. What might it look like for your faith to express itself in deeds? What kinds of deeds does God especially desire?