Faith Without Works Is Dead!

“ In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”-James 2:17

” For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”- Ephesians 2:8-9

When I was younger, these verses seemed as if they were in contrast to one another, but as I grew older, I realized they were in harmony. I am Saved by God alone, but IF I am Truly Saved, there will be “works” in my life.

And they will be “works” I want to do 🙂

Living my faith all week instead of just Sunday, helping an older person carry groceries, smiling at a stranger, reaching out to encourage another, a phone call to brighten s friend’s day, reading the Bible each day and sharing it, attending church and focusing on what we can give, rather than just what we can take…These can be all intentional “works”.

I am sure that there are plenty more “works” available to choose from, each person can choose whatever “works” for them 🙂 .

I lived next door to a friend of mine for 15 years. Everytime someone moved into the neighborhood, she brought them dinner. A kindness most never forgot. And wouldn’t you know, we ended up attending her church, and so did many of our neighbors 🙂

A last word. Doing “works” has always brought me far more joy than I ever felt I gave. It almost seemed an act of selfishness, because it made me so happy! But that is how it is when you are living in the Will of God. The Happiness and Peace we receive surpasses all understanding 🙂