James 2:13-26

Be Still: Jesus, open my eyes to see you rightly today. As I spend time with you, would you transform my heart and mind. Come and have your way. Amen

Read: James 2:13-26

‘In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 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.’ (v17-18)

Encounter: My parents have been married for over 30 years, and for 26 of those, I’ve had a front row seat to married life. I remember observing at a young age that their relationship didn’t quite match the pictures of love I’d seen in the movies - my dad wasn’t frequently confessing his undying love for my mum, there was limited sweeping off feet or dramatic rain-soaked kisses. Concerned, I asked my mum the all-important question: ‘How do you know Dad loves you?' Amused, she simply responded ‘It’s in all the things he does. Waking up early to bring me a cup of tea. Unloading the dishwasher. Doing the driving on long journeys. Buying my favourite flowers. I know he loves me because he shows me.’

Faith, much like love, is an invisible thing. It cannot be measured or quantified. And yet, there are small but profound actions that exemplify deep faith within us. Like a breath or a pulse are signs of life, so works are to faith. A faith that is alive and active will be demonstrated through the way we speak, act, and serve. Equally, James explains, that a faith that is dead or ineffectual will be signified by its lack of impact on our lives. A heart marked by grace cannot help but demonstrate it. 

We don’t want to be like the audience of this letter - unbothered by the outworking of our faith. We want to allow grace through faith to transform our hearts and propel us into action. Let our invisible, but powerful faith be demonstrated through the way we live today. 

Apply: Let God reveal the great depths of his love for you. Let it wash over you again. Allow this truth to increase your reliance and faith in him. Pause............

Being rooted in that place, now ask him to show you where he wants to use you. Who can you serve, encourage, and love today? Consider....................

Devote: Father, thank you for the gift of faith and its power to save. May I be someone marked by faith, to bring about your Kingdom on earth.