Faith Cares
15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 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? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
James 2:15-17
One thing a lot of people are sick of these days are empty words. We’ve had enough of it from politicians or companies more interested in preserving their image than actually caring for people. As James says, what good is this?
But that is not our way. That isn’t the way of the Christian. Because we (should) care more about others than our image. Therefore our commitments are accompanied by action. This passage is then two things. A statement about faith itself. There is no faith where there is no action that accompanies it.
But also, a statement about caring for the needs of others. How can we say we trust in Jesus if we are willing to allow a brother or sister to go without clothes/food. But let’s break this down further.
Are you expected to care for every individual in poverty? How poor do they need to be etc.? What does this look like in the modern age.
Let me answer at least one of those questions. Firstly, we care in concentric circles. What I mean is, our responsibility is first to those closest to us (usually our family) and our local Church family. Now, maybe there is no one that needs support in that circle. This is when we can widen to perhaps people in our community or overseas.
Important principle. You are not responsible for every person in the world who is in poverty. However, faith that knows the love and God and draws on His love does compel us to pursue generosity toward others - particularly those in need. In this way the light of Christ shines.
For Today:
Pray:
Praise the Father that He cared for us in our poor condition.
Give thanks for Jesus Christ and His compassion for the poor and downtrodden.
Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others put your faith into action.
James 2:15-17
One thing a lot of people are sick of these days are empty words. We’ve had enough of it from politicians or companies more interested in preserving their image than actually caring for people. As James says, what good is this?
But that is not our way. That isn’t the way of the Christian. Because we (should) care more about others than our image. Therefore our commitments are accompanied by action. This passage is then two things. A statement about faith itself. There is no faith where there is no action that accompanies it.
But also, a statement about caring for the needs of others. How can we say we trust in Jesus if we are willing to allow a brother or sister to go without clothes/food. But let’s break this down further.
Are you expected to care for every individual in poverty? How poor do they need to be etc.? What does this look like in the modern age.
Let me answer at least one of those questions. Firstly, we care in concentric circles. What I mean is, our responsibility is first to those closest to us (usually our family) and our local Church family. Now, maybe there is no one that needs support in that circle. This is when we can widen to perhaps people in our community or overseas.
Important principle. You are not responsible for every person in the world who is in poverty. However, faith that knows the love and God and draws on His love does compel us to pursue generosity toward others - particularly those in need. In this way the light of Christ shines.
For Today:
- Have you ever needed support from people? How did that go?
- Is there someone you are supporting financially or should be?
- Are you being generous towards the poor in some manner? How?
Pray:
Praise the Father that He cared for us in our poor condition.
Give thanks for Jesus Christ and His compassion for the poor and downtrodden.
Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others put your faith into action.
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