WHAT DOES REAL FAITH LOOK LIKE?
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
James 2:15-16 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
I would propose that real faith involves action not just words. Faith is not just emotions or feelings.
We can go to a church service and “feel” the presence of God. Perhaps we are touched emotionally and maybe even shed a tear. But if that emotion does not translate into action than it is not real faith.
I struggle with this passage today because I see so many people asking for food or a handout and I often question what I should do. I have some wonderful friends who have committed to feeding 250 homeless people every first Sunday of the month in downtown Fort Worth. They purchase and cook the meal and feed everyone who attends an outdoor service. They have decided to not just talk about faith but act on that faith to make a difference.
Last year I went down on a Sunday in the fall when they were feeding and handing out coats to everyone. I was in tears as I watched people receiving brand new coats that would provide them warmth during the winter. It was such a tangible expression of the love of Jesus to folks who were in a tough place in life.
Just recently some other friends had a weekend where they distributed free shoes and socks to hundreds of kids in the inner city. I looked through those pictures and saw amazing people washing feet and putting new socks and shoes on the feet of children. I felt like I was watching Jesus physically touch some lives.
Jesus said, “When you do it to the least of these you have done it to me.” (Matt 25:40-45)
Maybe we won’t cook meals, wash feet, or give out shoes. But what are we doing to express our faith in the Lord Jesus? What practical step are you taking to express your faith?
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit help me to express my faith through my words and actions. Show me how I can be more effective in my personal walk of faith.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
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