...if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?
James 2:14 NIV
This is one of those gnarly sentences that can trip us up...
Are my deeds good enough?
Have I done enough?
I don't do as much as...well almost anyone...
By faith you're saved.
It's grace
You can't earn it.
(And you can't unearn it either)
I think in the context of Jimmy's book here, he's saying if I believe that Jesus is who he said he is, and that he died for my sin, that his love for me was so great,  then I'd want to reflect that in the way I live.
And if not, well maybe I just don't believe.
It's not about what we do, how visible or important that seems, but our heart.
If I'm stuck in hospital unable to do anything for anyone...I can still thank the nurse, the cleaner...
What's that quote from Mother Teresa? "...we can all do small things with great love."
Sometimes we're just hanging on, but even in those days, if our heart is oriented towards God, a "thanks" is not just an expression of love, but a step towards goodness.
#james
#james2
#itsaheartthing