James 2:15-17
Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
You’ve probably noticed that Christians use a lot of words! Preaching, singing, praying and fellowship all involve oceans of words, and that’s fine – as long as those words also translate into action. You can preach the finest sermon, sing the most beautiful worship song, pray the most articulate prayer and enjoy the warmest fellowship, but if godly actions don’t result, it is all a dangerous waste of time.
Don’t you love James? He doesn’t ever beat around the bush, instead going straight for the jugular every time. He wants to see every Christian busily involved in turning their fine words into action. He is appalled at the thought that someone who claims to love God could see a Christian brother or sister in need and do nothing about it. It should never happen.
There is much poverty in our own society and around the world. It is good to pray for people and wish them well, but we must also take action. Whatever our gifts, we are all able to do something, and if we are serious about following Jesus, we must find what that something is.
Question
How will you put your faith into action today?
Prayer
Gracious Lord, forgive me for the times when I have failed to turn my faith into action. Help me to reach out with love to the poor people in my own community. Amen.

Released on 25 Sep 2026