Wednesday, October 22 Faith by itself, without works, is dead.​—Jas. 2:17.

[Áine]

Wednesday, October 22

Faith by itself, without works, is dead.—Jas. 2:17.

 

James pointed out that a man might claim to have faith, but where are his corresponding works? (Jas. 2:1-5, 9) James also mentioned someone who saw ‘a brother or a sister lacking clothing or food’ but did not provide practical help. Even if that one claimed to have faith, it was not backed up by actions; therefore, it was useless. (Jas. 2:14-16) James referred to Rahab as a positive example of faith in action. (Jas. 2:25, 26) She had heard about Jehovah and recognized that he was supporting the Israelites. (Josh. 2:9-11) She showed her faith by her actions—she protected two Israelite spies when their lives were in danger. As a result, this imperfect, non-Israelite woman was declared righteous, just as Abraham had been. The example she set emphasizes the importance of having faith backed up by works. w23.12 5-6 ¶12-13

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Faith that never acts is faith that never lives. James didn’t leave room for talk without proof — he made it plain that belief must move the hands, not just fill the mouth. The man who favors the rich over the poor may call it faith, but heaven calls it hypocrisy. And Rahab, the woman outsiders might have dismissed, showed what real faith looks like — risking her life because she trusted Jehovah’s will more than her city’s walls.