In review of James 2:15-17 this morning, I'm reminded by James if “A brother or sister in Christ might need clothes or food. If you say to that person, ‘God be with you! I hope you stay warm and get plenty to eat,’ but you do not give what that person needs, your words are worth nothing. In the same way, faith by itself—that does nothing—is dead.” (NCV)
I do not earn my salvation by serving and obeying God. But such actions do show that my commitment to God is real. Deeds of loving service are not a substitute for, but rather a verification of my faith in Christ.
Right now it’s estimated that over 40 million people in the United States are unemployed. Some of them need food. Some of them are wondering how they’ll pay their rent or mortgage. And they need to know that they’re not forgotten, that they can count on others for support.
It’s not enough to just tell them how sorry I am for their circumstances. Or to send out a facebook message or a tweet with a pious cliché.
Empathy isn’t enough. They need real help.
James says real faith is more than well wishes. Imagine if you walked up to someone in a food line and said, “Hey, I feel for you. Hang in there. Cheer up. Don't worry, be happy.” Doesn’t that ring hollow in such desperate circumstances? They don’t just need your words; they need food.
Genuine faith is practical. It gets involved in people’s needs.
Jesus demonstrated this kind of faith. He didn’t just empathize with my pain and predicament. He came to earth to do something about the sin that separated me from God.
1 John 3:16 says, “Suppose someone has enough to live and sees a brother or sister in need, but does not help. Then God’s love is not living in that person” (NCV).
My response to the pain of the people in my community will show the world what I believe.
Genuine faith produces compassion. It says, “I will help you with your burden and show you the love of Christ.” My faith is seen by what I do.
In summary, if I see a need and do not give what that person needs, any of my words are worthless. In the same way, faith by itself, that does nothing, is dead. I do not earn my salvation by serving and obeying God, but by such actions that show that my commitment to God is real. Deeds of loving service are not a substitute for, but rather a verification of my faith in Christ. Due to Covid-19, there are 40 million people in the United States that are unemployed. Some of them need food. Some of them are wondering how they’ll pay their bills. They need to know that they’re not forgotten, that they can count on others for support. So it’s not enough to just tell them how sorry I am for their circumstances. Empathy isn’t enough. They need real help. James tells me real faith is more than well wishes. That they don’t just need your words; they need food. Genuine faith is practical. It gets involved in people’s needs. It's the kind of faith that Jesus demonstrated.. He didn’t just empathize with my pain and predicament. He came to earth to do something about the sin that separated me from God. My response to the pain of the people in my community will show the world what I believe. Genuine faith on my part produces compassion
Father, I do want to show my faith by helping those in need. We had already decided to take our economic stimulus check and donate a big part of it. Now that I have cashed it, it’s time to distribute it to needs in our church, other churches and the local food bank.
Father, I confess this morning that my interests are not always in helping others in need. I pray that with the help of the Holy Spirit that he helps remind me to not just think of myself but to consider the needs of those around me. I also ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my tasks, my leadership and my interactions with others. May my words be filled with grace and my heart geared toward helping others. These things I ask in your Son Jesus name, Amen.
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