Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. -James 1:27
Who have you learned from in the faith? Many lessons we learn aren’t through words or formal teaching, but through the way others live. Living faithfully is not primarily measured by church attendance, small group participation, or even our volunteer hours. Pure and undefiled religion is a faith lived out in service. Just like Jesus, who set the example for us, we are called to live as servants, loving those society casts aside or regards as insignificant. James 2:14-17 echoes this call to live faith by serving others: “What use is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? 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.” Faith in Jesus changes us and fuels the way we interact with others; instead of seeing service as an inconvenience or interruption, we see opportunities to share the love of Christ.
- What are some ways you are seeking to live out your faith now? What are some ways it is hard to do so?
- Who are the forgotten or overlooked in your community? How can you serve them?
- Pray and ask God to give opportunities to love and serve people in your community.
