ICS Daily Devotions
Works Perfect Our Faith

James 2:15-16, 22-26 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? … And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

The Apostle James emphasized the correlation between spiritual growth with the act of faith in social responsibilities. The members in Jerusalem used to share everything that they had when they were persecuted for their faith.

Eph 2:10 (NKJV) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

While we are not saved by good works or deeds of the law, we are definitely saved to do good work. There is a huge difference in our attitude towards good work. We would want to serve God effectively and be good stewards faithfully when we do good works after understanding the grace of God. The motivation is different, those who do good works to gain acceptance by God will burn out and those who do serve God or being a good steward of God’s resources will serve out of gratitude. He will do it out of a position of rest and acceptance by God.

James was irked and concerned by the lack of empathy of the believers when they merely loved with words and tongue but lacked the action and truth. It was very clear that the brothers and sisters in the church family were in need of clothes and daily necessities but those who had were not forthcoming to help. Loving and caring for people might seem to bring inconvenience to us, especially those whom we need to go the extra mile to help them.

For instance, someone opened up their apartment to a father with his kids when they were in dire need. They had no place to go neither did they have much money on hand. The family handed the key of the apartment to the father and allowed him to stay there while he took time to sort out the marriage relationship with the wife who booted him out of the house. That’s faith, love and works in action.

James and the Apostle Paul echo the same words and motivation to the believers.

Galatians 6:9-11 (NKJV) And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.Is there an opportunity presented? Can you do good to fellow believers within your means? If you were to hear of sister who is a Christian and is suffering from domestic violence. Will you allow her to stay with you while she sought out her thoughts as to what to do? We should find a way to help. That’s faith, love and works in action.

John says in the gospel that if we have love for one another, all will know that we are His disciples! Let us walk and behave accordingly.

Sermon Series: An Active Faith