“Let Your Deeds Complement Your Faith!”

“Let Your Deeds Complement Your Faith!”
James poses these question to us: “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has not deeds? Can such a faith save him?
James’ questions seems to contradict Paul’s unequivocal position: “For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law”(Rom.3:28). This is in conformity with Habakkuk that “…the righteous will live by his faith”(Hab.2:4b). It is important to note that Protestants position themselves on this Pauline understanding of faith. Paul uses Abraham as an illustration to make his point. Scriptures says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness”(Rom.4:3, ref. Gen.15:6).
On his part, James illustrates his point of false faith by stating: “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead”(Jam.2:14-17).
Does it mean that James is right and Paul is wrong? Or it is James who is wrong and Paul is right? The point is that we are not saved by works. We are saved by faith to do the works that reflect our faith. “Martin Luther said that people are declared righteous before God by faith alone, but not by a faith that is alone.”
“Genuine faith will produce good deeds, but only faith in Christ saves.” So therefore my dear friend, if you claim that you have faith, prove it by good deeds. We can claim to have faith, but the proof of it is good works. If faith does not bear the fruit of good works, it is dead!” So therefore, complement your faith through good works. Look around you with the eyes of faith and you will realise that – no matter how down you may be, – there is somebody on whom you must show some good work.
Weekend prayer: Holy Spirit lead me daily to complement my faith with good works. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!