Reading chapter 2 is a reminder of practicality. I love the encouragement from James on how to live our lives for God and not hide behind our religion. This book speaks to the practical, everyday faith we need to live out in our Christian walk so that our faith is evident to others.
After reading the first half of the chapter, I reflected on favouritism. None of us are immune to this and favouritism does exist. How many times have I heard my kids say that something isn't fair and that you just always let ___ do that because ___ or you have ___ more because ___. It is easy to fill in the blanks and see that from a young age our children think that they are not the favoured one when something doesn't go their way and that we must love their sibling more than we love them. Or what about times we have been praying for something and it doesn't work out according to our purposes and we question God and tell ourselves the lie that He favours ____ over us. It was a fresh reminder to read this and remember that God doesn't choose favourites and He doesn't just answer the prayers of those with position. He loves us all - enough that He sent His Son to die for our sins. Sins that we are reminded of while reading James 2. James states in verses 8-9, "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, 'Love your neighbour as yourself,' you are doing right. But if you show favouritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers."
James is clear in His words further on reminding us to live lives where we talk the talk and walk the walk. Verses 12-13, "Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgement without mercy will be show to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement."
I can't help but draw similarities between two other Bible verses.
None of us is perfect, nor can we claim to be. But as Christians we are called to live a life of love by following Jesus' example. To love our neighbour as ourself, to act justly, to always be humble and gentle, to be patient, and to offer grace.
The second half of James 2 discusses faith and deeds. When I was in confirmation all those years ago, I remember learning about the grace that God extends to us and that it is nothing we can do but that it is a free gift offered by God. I love the verse above from Ephesians 2:8 but it isn't complete without verses 9-10, "...not by works, so that no man can boast. For we are all God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Bolded by me because I love the image of being God's workmanship. I remember talking to my Grandpa often about this and it's meaning for our lives and he reminded me that we are saved in God's grace but that we should live our lives by doing good for others. It always made me think about how I could make a difference, even in small ways, with those I came into contact with each day. A small thing but something that can make a big difference in your life and in the lives of others. The last verse in James 2 is very direct in stating, "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." Very clearly a calling to do good to those around you out of God's amazing love and to do good in your world. This is speaking to my heart in a desire to serve others on a larger scale than just my home.
Originally I was going to post just a little on each chapter as I read it throughout the week and then post but as I began reflecting and journalling here, it got longer and longer and too heavy to then continue on with thoughts on three more chapters. I hope that you are reading James along with me and that it is speaking to your heart.
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