James 2:18-20: Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless? (NLT)
Faith by itself is not enough unless it produces good deeds.
In the passage, James is telling the brethren that we can not claim to have faith and our actions say otherwise.
We can not love God and love the world.
As believers, if we say we have faith, we have to show it in our actions. It is not enough to say I have faith in Jesus Christ and still act like our old-selves.
James 2:18 “ But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works”
Some believers erroneously think that faith and works are separate, but the truth is that faith should lead to good works. In other words, if we say you have faith in Jesus, that faith must reflect in our lifestyle.
Another reason why genuine faith has to be accompanied with good works is because even demons that there is one God and they tremble (James 2:19).
Men in the Bible did not just have faith, they showed it in the way they responded to God and others around them. We should do the same too. We should not just say we have faith but we should walk in it. We should walk the talk. Practice what we preach and remain obedient to God always. Remember faith without works is dead!
Titus 3:8: This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.(NIV)
PRAYER: Father, I thank You for teaching me Your truth today. I ask for the grace to be an obedient child. Help me be more like Jesus in my actions everyday. In Jesus Name, Amen.
For further study: James 2:14-26.