A person can go around doing many good deeds. But if those deeds are not accompanied by faith in Jesus, those deeds will not save the doer. In the same way, if someone has great faith, but it isn't accompanied by good deeds, their faith is useless. When someone comes to us with a problem, if all we do is say good words to them and do not give them help, it is useless. We must do more than just believe in God. Even demons do that! We show our faith by the deeds that we do. In other words, we show our faith by our deeds.

James gives Biblical examples of people who showed their faith by their own deeds. Abraham was considered righteous because he obeyed God and offered up his son Isaac as a sacrifice. Abraham's faith was evident, and it was made complete by him offering his son. "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." (Gen 15:6). Rahab was a prostitute. She lodged the Israelite spies and kept them safe from Jericho's soldiers. She was counted as righteous for what she did. She showed that a person is considered righteous by their deeds, and not by faith alone.


Application: Father, I thank you for the faith you have given me. May my works be a testimony to my faith in you.
One Word: Faith without works is useless