“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:14-17).
Our opening verse tells us the way to prove our faith. In reality, its actually the way to demonstrate your love, because love isn’t just in words, but demonstrated through your actions; it’s called the “labour of love” “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love…in the sight of God and our Father” (1 Thessalonians 1:3).
This means that love sometimes may not be convenient, but you’ve got to walk in love all the same. Those you love may not necessarily love you in return, but it makes no difference because there’s no promise in the scriptures that says those you love will have to love you back. We’re only commanded to love. So, don’t look for the reciprocity of it before you do right thing.
John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world…”; here, He’s referring to the world of sinners; those who didn’t care about Him. Isn’t wonderful, and so inspiring to know that Jesus came to die for sinners who didn’t want Him? While on the cross, even as their representative, they spat at Him, but His response was that of love; He said, “…Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do….” (Luke 23:34).
You’re born to love; and love is something you consciously practice. Let nothing dampen your resolve and commitment to walk in love. Remember, you don’t love for the sake of those you love, you love for the Master’s sake. Jesus said in John 13:34, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” Walking in love is your proof that you’re a true believer in Christ: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35).
Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for your love, and the indescribable joy of sharing it with others, and revealing to them the compassion of Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study
1 John 3:18
John 15:12
James 2:15-17
(Taken by permission from Christ Embassy Church , aka Believer’s LoveWorld Ministries , Lagos, Nigeria. www.ChristEmbassy.org )
