James 2:14-24
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Surely that faith cannot save, can it? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” and yet does not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from works, and I by my works will show you faith. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder. Do you want to be shown, you senseless person, that faith part from works is worthless? Was not our ancestor Abraham justified by works when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and by works faith was brought to completion. Thus the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” and he was called the friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. James 2:14-24 (NRSVUE)
James, a key leader in the early church, is concerned about an issue of his time which also can be a problem today. People are not LIVING the Gospel, rather they are just HEARING the Gospel. He refers specifically to individuals talking about ‘faith’ as a mere acknowledgement of the ways of Christ rather than allowing that faith to transform their way of thinking, being, and acting. It naturally draws us to serving and LOVING others.
Just a few verses prior to this passage in James 2:8, we read what is considered the royal law of the Bible, revealed initially to Moses, and fulfilled in Christ, the command to “love your neighbor as yourself.” For me, through the example of Jesus Christ, love naturally leads to works. The fact that it is royal law indicates that it is intended for all with no room for indifference or hate. It forces us to move outside ourselves, beyond our comfort zones, into the community. As Paul also defines in Galatians 5:6b, “the only thing that counts is faith working through love.”
This week, as we ponder the theme of Community, we reflect on the role our works play as we strive to live the Gospel, daily, in our own lives. Our faith motivates us to do good works. Thus, good works are evidence of our faith, expressing our gratitude to God and our love for our neighbor.
Thus, reflecting on the passage from James’s letter to Jewish believers scattered outside of Jerusalem and Israel, it is understandable that James was determined to encourage them to “get it right.” They were facing hard times, and he wanted them to stay strong and patient while accomplishing good deeds. This included helping ALL others, not simply interacting with those who were privileged.
I close with the English lyrics of the Porter’s Gate song, Let Us Be Known:
Let us be known by our love
Let every word and every deed honor the Son
Let our light shine in every eye
Let us be known by our love
(Chorus)
For the glory of the Father
For the glory of the Son
For the glory of the Spirit
Let us be known by our love
For the glory of the Father
For the glory of the Son
For the glory of the Spirit
Let us be known by our love
Questions for Reflection:
- What are some ways you engage in good works throughout a typical week?
- Who do you consider your neighbor?
Prayer:
Creator God, thank you for sending us your Son to redeem us and reveal to us how to truly love our neighbors and do good works. We are forever grateful also for the sustaining strength of your Spirit through which we are led to complete these tasks. AMEN!
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