James 2:14-22
14KJV:What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15KJV:If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16KJV:And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17KJV:Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18KJV:Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19KJV:Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20KJV:But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21KJV:Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22KJV:Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
Faith without works is dead! This is so true, like the passage above said. Many believers today only profess the faith by word of mouth and do not practice what they preach. Christianity is not just another religious circle or social gathering; we must be a light to our generation and a succor to the needy. Practical Christianity is the life that Jesus displayed while he lived on earth. Thus, it is a ministry you and I must imbibe, if we are to advance the kingdom of God.
As Christians, put your faith to work by helping one another, sharing in other's Joy and sorrow and providing for the needy in your midst. Like the passage admonishes above, do not pray and send the needy away when God has blessed you to be a blessing at that point unto them. James, in verse 18 of our reading passage says "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works"
And in verse 20 it says, "KJV:But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?"
Abraham is known and remembered fr generation to generation as a friend of God, because he believed God and obeyed him by offering to give his only son, Isaac, to God on the altar. He did this willingly without being forced to nor without struggles. So, a man is justified not by faith only, but by works too.
Conclusion
In your life and in this season henceforth, be a blessing unto others, for it is better to give than to receive. Let the world see the love of Christ in your actions and not mere words. Give to the widows, orphans and less privileged in your midst. Advance God's kingdom through your works and be blessed. Amen.