May 16, 2025

WHAT DOES IT PROFIT?

James 2:14-16

What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?

Personal Challenge

James makes it very clear that being a Christian is much more than just a proclamation that you are one. A true follower of Christ will be recognized by their actions and not their proclamations. It is also extremely critical to note what those actions are. The Scriptures never praise a person for the number of liturgies, masses, or services that they participate in. Nothing is praised when it comes to how many books one has read or even verses of the Bible have been memorized. We are measured by how we treat people, especially the destitute. Who are these destitute? Everyone around us is lacking in one way or another. We are to invest of ourselves into their need. We are also to be very focused on supporting the naked, the orphan, the widow, the foreigner amongst us, the poor, the hungry, and the list goes on. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner!