Living Faith

 Faith Without Works is Dead

 A Call to Authentic Christian Living

The Fruit of True Faith: Living Out God’s Love

How Faith Fuels Deeds

Faith Without Works is Dead

James 2:9-17

The Apostle James confronts a critical aspect of the Christian life—whether our faith is mere intellectual belief or whether it manifests itself through concrete actions. This passage challenges the comfortable separation between what we profess with our lips and what we do with our lives. James emphasizes that true faith cannot remain hidden or inactive but must be lived out, especially in acts of mercy and justice.

The Sin of Partiality (James 2:9-11)

James begins this section by addressing the sin of favoritism, warning that showing partiality is a violation of God’s law:

“But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers” (James 2:9, NIV).

Matthew Henry calls this a “breach of the royal law of love,” reminding us that the very essence of God’s commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves. To treat anyone differently based on  social status, wealth, or outward appearance undermines the gospel’s call to impartial love. As Henry puts it, “To despise the poor, or to insult them, is to affront God.”

William Barclay also echoes this sentiment, noting how the early Christian community was called to be radically different from the world around them. “In the ancient world, partiality and favoritism were woven into the very fabric of society,” Barclay explains, “but the Christian church was called to break that pattern by seeing every person as equal before God.”

The Necessity of Mercy and Compassion (James 2:12-13)

James then moves to remind us of the law of liberty, urging believers to “speak and act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty” (James 2:12, ESV). God’s law is not merely a set of rigid rules but a reflection of His mercy. And mercy, James tells us, triumphs over judgment.

Eugene Peterson, in The Message, paraphrases this beautifully: “Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time!” He draws our attention to the heart of the Christian message—a faith that leads to compassionate action. Mercy is not optional; it is the very expression of God’s character in us.

Charles Spurgeon, too, highlights this critical point: “Mercy is the grand characteristic of God, and it should be the grand characteristic of the Christian.” Spurgeon’s challenge here is that if we have experienced God’s mercy, it should flow out of us into the lives of others.

Faith in Action: The Heart of True Belief (James 2:14-17)

The central point of James 2:14-17 is the powerful assertion that faith without works is dead. “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?” (James 2:14, NIV). This rhetorical question confronts the dangerous tendency to reduce faith to mere intellectual assent.

Alexander Maclaren expounds on this, observing that “faith which does not lead to action is like a tree without fruit, like a fire without heat, like a river without water.” He argues that faith, when it is real and alive, naturally produces good works, just as a healthy tree produces fruit.

This theme is echoed in the life of Jesus, who continually demonstrated the inseparability of faith and compassion. As Eugene Peterson reflects, “Jesus was always doing good, always making whole, always restoring dignity. Faith in Him must be the same—it must move beyond the theoretical into the real and tangible.”

Charles Spurgeon adds weight to this with his famous line: “A faith which works not for purification will work for putrefaction.” His point is simple but profound: faith that does not transform us will eventually lead to spiritual decay.

Embracing God’s Call to Justice and Mercy

James calls for a faith that is alive, active, and reflective of God’s love. As believers, we are not called to merely believe with our minds, but to serve with our hands and love with our hearts. The late theologian William Barclay encapsulates this challenge: “The Christian is not to be a hearer only, but a doer. He must translate his faith into deeds, and his theology into love.”

As we meditate on this passage, let us ask ourselves: 

Is our faith visible through our actions? 

Are we merciful as God is merciful? 

Are we striving to live out the radical love of God, even when it challenges our comfort or demands self-sacrifice?

True faith does not rest in our heads alone—it is lived out in the world around us, bringing mercy, justice, and love to those in need. Anything less, James warns, is a dead faith.

Our Spiritual Ancestors — remind us that living faith is more than words or doctrines; it is a faith that acts, that loves, and that reflects the heart of Christ to a world in need.

Faith Without Favoritism

 Beyond Appearance

God's Standard of Love

Honoring the Poor - The Sin of Partiality

No Favoritism in Christ

My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? (James 2:1-4, NIV)

The Epistle of James addresses one of the most pervasive issues in human society: favoritism. James speaks directly to the church, urging believers not to be swayed by outward appearances or social status. This passage challenges us to reflect on the true meaning of love and justice in the Christian life, emphasizing that we are all equal in the eyes of our "Glorious Lord Jesus Christ" (v.1).

Favoritism and the Call to Genuine Love

James’s words are sharp and convicting, for they expose a tendency that still infiltrates communities today—showing partiality based on wealth, status, or appearance. William Barclay notes, “The Christian faith brings into life a new standard of values. The standards of the world are based on the things that can be seen. The Christian standard is based on that which cannot be seen” (The Daily Study Bible). When we make distinctions between people based on what they possess or how they look, we are living according to the world’s standards, not Christ’s.

The root of favoritism is found in our hearts, in the way we value material wealth over spiritual worth. James identifies the evil of judging people by outward appearances, which often leads to treating the wealthy with more honor and dignity than the poor. This is in direct contrast to the teachings of Jesus, who consistently uplifted the marginalized and warned against storing treasures on earth (Matthew 6:19-21).

The Royal Law of Love

James calls us to a higher standard, one that reflects the heart of God. In verse 8, he writes, "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right.” This royal law, quoted from Leviticus 19:18 and reaffirmed by Jesus in Matthew 22:39, is at the center of Christian ethics. Matthew Henry explains, “The love of our neighbor as ourselves is a royal law, because it is prescribed by the King of kings, our Lord Jesus, and is the law of His kingdom.”

The true measure of love is found in how we treat those who cannot offer us anything in return. Jesus exemplified this love in His ministry, reaching out to the outcasts and the downtrodden. Charles Spurgeon, reflecting on this passage, said, "The gospel regards the poor as much as the rich, and often the poor more than the rich because they are more willing to listen to its voice and accept its teachings."

James reminds us that favoritism contradicts the gospel because it undermines the value of each person as created in God's image. When we discriminate, we dishonor the poor, who are often "rich in faith" (v. 5), and we show our allegiance to worldly measures of success, not God's.

Judgment and Mercy

James further warns us about the consequences of showing favoritism: "But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers" (v.9). Our judgment of others based on external factors places us in a position of becoming "judges with evil thoughts" (v. 4). This is not the way of Christ, who will judge all people impartially. Eugene Peterson, in The Message, paraphrases this beautifully: “Isn’t it clear by now that God operates quite differently? He chose the world’s down-and-out as the kingdom’s first citizens, with full rights and privileges.”

The passage points us back to the truth that all humans will face God’s judgment. Alexander Maclaren emphasizes that favoritism not only harms others but also corrupts the one who shows it. "The spirit of favoritism is a spirit of self-seeking, and is at variance with the Gospel, which is the expression of a divine love that gives itself to the lowest," he writes. The call to love our neighbor as ourselves is not just a command to avoid outward favoritism but to cultivate an inner life that reflects God’s mercy and justice.

Living Out the Royal Law

James's message calls us to a radical reordering of our values. As followers of Christ, we are not called to judge by worldly standards but to see others as God sees them—with dignity and worth. We are called to live out the royal law of love, which binds together justice and mercy.

The challenge for us today is to examine our own hearts. 

Do we, perhaps unknowingly, favor certain people over others based on status, appearance, or wealth? 

Are we more likely to listen to those who can offer us something in return rather than those who are in need? 

As we reflect on these questions, may we be guided by the love of Christ, who, though He was rich, became poor for our sake (2 Corinthians 8:9).

In closing, we would do well to remember the words of Jesus: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). The way we treat the poor, the marginalized, and the outcast is a reflection of our love for Christ Himself.

Let us, therefore, strive to live out the royal law of love, without favoritism, knowing that in doing so, we honor our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.

Quotes Referenced:

- William Barclay: The Daily Study Bible

- Matthew Henry: Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible

- Charles Spurgeon: Sermons on the Gospel of James

- Alexander Maclaren: Expositions of Holy Scripture

- Eugene Peterson: The Message

Listening, Doing, and True Religion

 A Reflection on James 1:19-27

The Epistle of James is renowned for its practical wisdom, and one of its most striking passages is found in James 1:19-27. In this section, James outlines essential qualities that every Christian should cultivate—listening attentively, controlling one's speech, and living a life that reflects genuine faith through action. It’s a call to live out the gospel not just in belief but in how we behave toward others and in our devotion to God.

1. Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak, and Slow to Anger (James 1:19-20)

   

James begins with a powerful exhortation: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” In just a few words, he emphasizes the importance of self-control, particularly in our communication and emotional responses. We live in a world where quick opinions, impulsive reactions, and fiery debates are common, yet James calls us to slow down, to listen more carefully, and to avoid jumping to anger.

William Barclay comments on this passage: “In speech and in action, the Christian must always remember that he is the ambassador of Christ, and that in any moment, through him, others will form their impression of what Christianity is.”

   Why? Because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires”(1:20). Anger often leads to rash words and unwise actions that do not reflect the justice or love of God. Instead, James urges us to adopt a posture of humility and calm, which allows us to respond to others in ways that promote peace and righteousness.

 

 2. Receive the Word Humbly (James 1:21)

James follows this call to restraint with the instruction to get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you” (1:21). Here, James reminds us that as Christians, we must continually allow God's Word to shape our lives. This means casting off sinful behaviors and attitudes and receiving God’s truth with humility and openness.

Eugene Peterson, in The Message, paraphrases this verse beautifully: “In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.” This imagery of God planting His Word in our hearts speaks to the need for ongoing cultivation—a continuous openness to let God shape our lives through His truth.

Alexander Maclaren reflects on this process of transformation: “The reception of the implanted word is the first step to all Christian excellence. Unless we accept that word as authoritative and formative, there will be no beginning of any new life in us.” Maclaren emphasizes that true change begins when we humbly allow God’s Word to take root in our hearts, shaping our desires, actions, and character.

The Word of God, planted in our hearts, has the power to transform and save us. But we must not only hear it; we must also accept it and let it take root, guiding our thoughts, actions, and desires.

3. Be Doers of the Word, Not Hearers Only (James 1:22-25)

One of the central themes in the book of James is the relationship between faith and action. In verses 22-25, James issues a strong challenge: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”(1:22). Hearing God’s Word without putting it into practice is, according to James, self-deception. He compares it to looking in a mirror and immediately forgetting what you look like (1:23-24).

This metaphor highlights the absurdity of knowing the truth but failing to act on it. When we look into the mirror of God’s Word, we see a reflection of our true selves—both our flaws and our potential to grow in Christ. But if we do not live out what we have learned, we fail to experience the transformation that God desires for us.

Charles Spurgeon highlights the danger of self-deception: “It is not enough to hear the word of God, but we must keep it, and not deceive ourselves by a bare assent to it.” Spurgeon warns that if we hear God’s commands but fail to live by them, we deceive ourselves into thinking we are walking in faith when we are not.

However, the person who “looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it”(1:25)—that is, the one who not only hears but also acts—will be blessed. Obedience to God's Word brings true freedom and blessing, as it aligns our lives with God’s will.

4. Controlling the Tongue and Practicing True Religion (James 1:26-27)

   

James concludes this passage by addressing two key marks of a genuine faith: controlling one’s speech and practicing true religion.

   “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless”(1:26). James emphasizes the power of our words and the importance of self-discipline in our speech. If we claim to follow Christ but allow our tongues to run wild—speaking carelessly, harshly, or deceitfully—then our faith is compromised. 

Alexander Maclaren observes: “If any man thinks himself to be religious, and bridles not his tongue, his religion is vain. A bitter tongue and a bitter heart cannot show forth a sweet gospel.” Maclaren stresses that our speech must align with the gospel we proclaim. If our words are harmful or reckless, they betray the very faith we profess. True religion requires integrity, not only in what we believe but also in how we communicate.

Finally, James gives a clear and concise definition of pure and faultless religion: “to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (1:27). True religion, according to James, is not about rituals, appearances, or empty words. Instead, it’s about compassion for the vulnerable and living a life of holiness. 

William Barclay comments on this passage: “Real religion does not lie in elaborate outward rituals, but in practical help given to those who need it and in keeping our lives unspotted from the world.” Caring for orphans and widows, who in ancient society were often the most helpless and marginalized, reflects God’s heart for justice and mercy. Meanwhile, keeping oneself from being polluted by the world underscores the need for purity, integrity, and spiritual vigilance in a world that can easily lead us astray.

Conclusion: Faith in Action

James 1:19-27 offers a rich picture of what it means to live out a genuine, vibrant Christian faith.  Faith is meant to transform how we live—shaping our speech, our attitudes, and our actions toward others.

It calls us to:

- Listen more and speak less.

- Control our anger.

- Humbly accept God’s Word.

- Put our faith into action, not merely listen to the Word.

- Watch our words and live out a faith that actively cares for others.

In these verses, James calls believers to a holistic faith—one that is not just about intellectual belief or religious identity but is demonstrated through transformed living. As Matthew Henry wisely concludes, “The more we hear, the more closely we should examine ourselves by what we hear.”

True religion is found not in mere hearing but in doing, and it is expressed through love, mercy, and purity.