Monday 20 April, 2015

18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless[a]? 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,”[b] and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

James summarises this passage in verse 26 where he says, “Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works”. Whilst our salvation comes from believing in Christ, James highlights the importance of demonstrating our faith by how we live. He acknowledges that it is impossible to show our faith if we don’t have good deeds (vs 18).

To do the good deeds that God calls us to do, I am reminded of Philippians 2:13 – “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him”. This means that we are to allow God to work through us and guide us, so that our lives reflect the faith we have in Him.

God, I thank You for the gift of salvation and I thank You that I can put my faith in You. Please help me to live a life that demonstrates my faith and brings You glory every day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Written by Laura Samperi