In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
James 2:17 NIV
In the same way as what?
The earlier verses tell the story of someone who clearly needs help (food & clothing in this case - something easy to help with, something his readers could help with) and we just say some nice words.
Or we are happy to let someone else say those nice words on our behalf & keep our distance.
Stay where it's comfortable.
James says my faith needs to be worked out, find expression, action, work, deeds, in my world, in my relationship with others, in the lives of people.
It might be food and clothing, but it might be something completely different.
But it will be something.
And without that action, work, deed, that helps someone else, our faith is dead.
Lifeless.
Flat.
Empty
Boring
I don't want a lifeless faith.
#james
#james2
#action
#whatdoesthatlooklikeforyou
#pumplifeintoyourfaith
#Godsgym
#lovepeople
...four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn't bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus... Mark 2:3-4 NLT Great account of inventiveness and determination to get their friend to see Jesus. Love this. Do you wonder about the back story? Are these the same 4 people who bring this man food? Take him to the toilet every day. Clean him up. Does he live with one of them? Are they family? Are there whole families or groups of people in the background who have supported and cared for this man? A group of children who grew up seeing their parents love in action? Probably. Healing Help Hope These things are found in community. These 4 guys are the heroes here. The upfront people. One day it will be interesting to see who the background heroes are. #loveinaction #community #inthistogether #walkingeachotherhome #gospelofmark
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