True faith

 12 Dec 25

Today's devotional: taken from YouVersion, Life Application Study Bible Devotion


True faith

At first glance, this verse seems to contradict Romans 3:28, "We are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law." Deeper investigation, however, shows that the teachings of James and Paul are not at odds. While it is true that our good deeds can never earn salvation, true faith always results in a changed life and good deeds. Paul speaks against those who try to be saved by deeds instead of true faith; James speaks against those who confuse mere intellectual assent with true faith. After all, even demons know who Jesus is, but they don't obey him. True faith involves a commitment of your whole self to God.


“But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.”

‭‭James‬ ‭2‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

——————-

Reflections

I love the book of James! Well firstly because it is the book that was used in my discipleship study and second it is a short book so it is much easier to finish!! Haha


Well, jokes aside. The book of James packed a lot of wisdom and life applications as well. It is through this book that the Lord opened my eyes to a lot of things that we need to change, being different from the world, doing the things that He wants us to do.


This verse speaks to us because our actions stems from our hearts. And if true faith is in us, it speaks more loudly than anything because people can tell that we are the sons and daughters of God. Otherwise, if we can only tell people that we are Christians but not do anything that a child of God will do, we are, sorry to say, no different from the enemy who say that he knows God, which is true. It is similar in a way, if I tell people I know who the Prime Minister of Singapore is. Well, every Singaporean or even some non citizens will also know. So what makes it any different between us?


It is a relationship that matters. True faith means we not only know Jesus, we have an intimate relationship with Him. We know Him and He knows us. It is a two-way relationship. Again, if I put it into perspective, when you are in a relationship and everywhere you go, you bring your partner and in every conversation, you mention their name, it is quite impossible for people not to know that you are attached. 


In our faith and walk with God, maybe we should ask ourselves.. Are we in this kind of relationship with Him as well? Or do people not even know that we are believers? What makes them say that? This is something for us to ponder and reflect and perhaps also take action as Christmas is drawing near.

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