The Book of James continues on, not mincing words in James 2 …..
- Favoritism is a deep and insidious root. A quick overview revealed James was dealing with a problem we still struggle to overcome. The author of this study asked a thought provoking question, “Do we trample over the hearts and lives of those we deem less worthy?” (Jenni Keller) James puts it this way, “My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?” (James 2:1, NLT)
- We all make distinctions. If we’re honest, we all do. Why is that? From early on in life, we learn to judge people and their actions. James warns us when we make distinctions, we become judges and our “judgments are guided by evil motives” (verse 4, NLT).
- The remedy for favoritism. James not only writes of the issue, but thankfully, tells us what we need to do to bring correct ourselves. James reminds us of the “royal law as found in the Scriptures.ĆĀ “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
(James 2:8-9, NLT) May we remember, we will be judged with the same standard we use to judge others. Let’s opt to choose mercy – every single time. - What is faith? James pointed out that our faith will demand more of us. “So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.” (James 2:17, NLT) While works is not what achieves saving faith, knowing Him will result in us doing His good work.
- Are we merely talking? The Message asks this provoking question, “Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really ‘has it’?” If we truly believe, we will not be complacent. Our faith will bear fruit. Our lives will display a “seamless unity of believing and doing” (MSG). Others will see our faith actively being lived out each day.
Today I am joining … Inspire Me Monday andĆĀ #SmallWonder and Playdates With God and Sharing His Beauty and Reflect .
Our faith will demand more of this…I need this reminder daily. Thanks for giving it today.
I need this reminder myself. James is asking some very thought provoking & soul stirring questions. Grateful you stopped here today.
Enjoying your study on James. Perfect tandem thoughts to our sermon series at church in James.
I liked the MSG version you shared, “Our lives will display a āseamless unity of believing and doingāĀ (MSG).”
Thank you for sharing these insights. š
The MSG worded this portion of James in a way which truly prompted me to think. Grateful you enjoyed the post!
Love the books of James! It’s simple and practical yet challenging to live out.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Blessings to you and yours.
Heather, it is true. James is practical yet he truly does step on our toes a bit š Blessings to you as well. Grateful you stopped here today.
OH.
I so want this “seamless unity” to be my experience with Christ.
Words come easily. It’s the doing that takes faith and effort.
Words come very easily, Michele. It is in the doing that it will cost us. May we be willing to make the effort and the difference as we live our faith out each day.
“Our faith will bear fruit,” that’s my prayer – may it be so.
Amen. In total agreement with you!
So good to revisit James for a bit this morning after recently spending 9 months getting slapped around a bit by him–in the best possible way and for the best possible reasons!–in a women’s Bible study on the book. Thanks for sharing…stopping by today from Reflect.
James has a way of doing that. But I always come back to him for more of the same š So glad you stopped here!
So often I worry too much about my insecurities when I’m around people who are different from me–I feel awkward and stressed and start focusing on me instead of DOING things in love. Thank you for the reminder to jump in and DO and not sit around and STEW!
Me too, Anita. I am the same way. I’m finding as I focus less on me, more on others, I tend to do more š