Faith + Works

Justice, Law, History The Laws of Justice and Mercy Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5)  James 2:14-26 New International Version Faith and Deeds 14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?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. 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. For Reflection What good does it do to say, "I believe," if one does not act according to his beliefs? Can one perform good deeds and yet not be among the faithful? Of course! Each of us has resident goodness in our souls whether or not we recognize the soul. God made us so. God made even those whose actions appear to be soul-less. One is free to deny God. But for those of us who accept the sovereignty of God must also accept the risks of walking in the Word. If one loves God with all one's heart, mind, and soul, one cannot help but love as God loves. And that means an active love, a participatory love, an exuberant love, an unexpected love that protects the worth of others and is filled with compassion, mercy, and forgiveness.  Pray Pray and let the Holy Spirit guide your life. Pray and resist the urge to be judgemental. Pray and resist the notion that because you believe, God will act on your behalf. Pray and resist the idea that your salvation removes you from the responsibilities of living a righteous life. Pray and resist the fear that you might be recognized and criticized for seeing life through God's eyes.