If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? In the same way, faith also, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. James 2:15-17
Sometimes, even well-intentioned words can be harmful. James gave one such example and pointed out the irony of wishing warmth and food to a cold and hungry person apart from any action. Apart from love for the person and compassion that prompts action, the sentiment is empty.
This type of pitfall may be a danger for those in the church as much as anywhere. We may talk a good game and know the right answers about loving the poor and those in need but seek no relationship with them or opportunity to interact with them. Instead of being moved to action and sacrificial love, we can easily become people who focus on our own narrative, leaving only an empty sentiment for those in need. James’s call is to a deeper faith that moves toward people who are hurting instead of away from them. This is the way of Jesus, who spent time with the sick, the sinner, and those society cast aside. This is the way of our King and is to be our way as well.
- What are some examples of empty sentiments that we might give as Christians? What are some ways we could back those words with actions?
- Who are some of the people in need around you? How are they usually treated? What would it look like to love them like Christ?
- Pray and ask God to help you live out the faith you confess through loving others like Christ.
