Morning Devotional October 10, 2017

James 2:14-26

14What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

15If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

16And 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?

17Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

18Yea, 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.

19Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

20But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

21Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

22Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

23And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

24Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

25Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

26For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”





We hear many today quote this passage as a reminder to help the poor in our communities and around the world. But have you noticed James says in verse 15 “brother or sister”? Are we not to help our brothers and sisters in Christ before helping those in the world? Are we not to take care of the saints of God when they are in need rather than the children of the devil? Would this not be a great witness and testimony to the lost of how the saints in the Lord's churches take care of one another as though they were blood kin. Even closer than blood kin. They are our family for all eternity!

Please understand I am not saying we should not help others. But I believe the Word of God is clear here and in other places that God's people are to help each other in their time of need before helping the world. It is a way for the world to see our love for one another. It should be a draw for them to want to be like us and a part of us. It should cause them to ask why we do these things for our brothers and sisters. Which should lead us to show them the gospel of Christ through our love for our brethren.

O but are we too busy arguing and fighting amongst ourselves for the world to see the love of Christ in His churches? What example are we setting for those young Christians growing in the faith? Instead of following the truths of God's Word are we fighting to have things our own way? Do we refuse to submit to our Sovereign God and follow His commandments?

O child of God, if you love the Lord as you claim follow His commandments. Love one another. Show the world(without bragging) your love for your brothers and sisters in Christ. If a brother or sister is in need and God has blessed you with the means to help then do so.





Praise ye the Lord!!!