Jean Vanier, founder of the L’Arch communities, has spent his life loving those often ostracized by society. L’Arch creates living communities for those with disabilities or those who, because of their need for intense care, would be institutionalized if they didn’t have such a home. Vanier talks about how the communities are centered around the most basic acts of caring for the physical body—bathing, dressing, and feeding residents who can’t do those things on their own.
The work of L’Arch resonates with James’ forthright question: “What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions?” (James 2:14). Faith isn’t merely a mental category or an abstract idea, but a life infused by truth and the practice of it.
Faith that merely manifests itself in words but doesn’t express itself in our life isn’t true faith. When we see another human destitute and in danger and merely pat him on the back, offer him an empty blessing, or an off-handed comment in wishing him well, we face James’ rebuke: “What good does that do?” (James 2:16). The answer is plain: This kind of pious inaction does no good at all.
In fact, a half-baked faith is no better than the faith of demons. James wrote, “Even the demons believe” in this way (James 2:19). True faith acts. True faith receives what God says, and then true faith moves in response. True faith—deep belief—isn’t merely a matter of using our mind but also our body, our will, our hopes, our desires, and our commitments. Faith is demonstrated as we trust God and then obey and follow Him in action. True faith is far better than anything a demon has ever known, for true faith flows from God Himself.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Kings 17:1-24
More:
Read 2 Peter 1:5-8. How does Peter suggest our faith is supplemented or fulfilled? List everything that he says should accompany faith.
Next:
Where is your faith being called into action today? What has sometimes held you back from a bold step of faithful action? How can true faith help you move forward?
Gary Shultz on April 18, 2016 at 5:54 am
You’re right Winn, faith is just not what we believe, but what we do and hopefully in that order. There is no “fire of faith” if we don’t have a divine desire that turns into action. No grater love, and no bolder action was demonstrated than that of Jesus. For me, we just have to get off our comfy back sides and move into service. If we don’t live in a needy area, give thanks and give gifts so people in other places can be helped. Making ourselves available and staying usable will allow God to have us join Him in service. Thanks Winn
Winn Collier on April 18, 2016 at 11:45 am
I think returner to the “greater love” is crucial.
gagirllive on April 18, 2016 at 7:33 am
Hi, Winn. A couple of years ago I read Bob Golf’s book, Love Does. I remember he said something along the lines that true love by nature is compelled to express itself. I’m convinced that James is saying the same thing about true faith. If it’s a real abiding faith, it will produce fruit. Jesus talked about this in John 15. Also, my thought on this is that God is working all around us everyday. We just have to pay attention and join Him. “Practicing” our faith should be as natural as breathing. It’s a way of life, not an event. Good encouragement for us this Monday morning, Winn. Thanks!
samgaskill on April 18, 2016 at 8:08 am
Sounds like a wonderful book! “True love by nature is compelled to express itself”. That is so huge!! And I think profoundly true! A couple months ago while traveling in a warmer state, my husband and I befriended a man who lived on the streets in a charming eclectic and colorful town. “Scott” took off his torn gloves when shaking our hands, and was grateful for a hot meal and some company. He gave thanks to God for this meager kindness. Hard to say who was more grateful here. Due to unseasonable cold evenings there we offered some additional comfort items as we had much to offer in the way of blankets, pillows etc in the comfort of our home on wheels. But you know what, we took everything back we brought for him except the food, a small bible, and the brief time we shared. He said he had everything he needed right around the corner in his home tucked around the side street. We would have given him more, wanted to… but he had all he needed. Wow. Came to find out by talking with local shop owners that they had adopted him more or less. One kind soul said to us “you know he couldn’t make it anywhere else”. We don’t have professional help centers here so we do what we can. Wow! That taught us much about unconditional love and acceptance. And you know what, we went back to that little town hoping to spend more time with this delightful person but we never saw him again. I suspect we will meet up again in Heaven and I can’t wait to thank him for what he gave us. Thank You Lord.
gagirllive on April 18, 2016 at 8:44 am
A perfect example of love AND faith in action. Thanks for sharing, samgaskill!
Winn Collier on April 18, 2016 at 11:44 am
yeah, the vine (Jn 15) isn’t doubling over with effort, squeezing hard to pop out a bit of fruit, huh?
Tom Felten on April 18, 2016 at 11:22 am
Winn, love what you wrote: “True faith acts.” As we bring God’s restorative, new-creational ways to those around us, He’s glorified and lives are changed. May we act out of the Holy Spirit’s power and prompting today!