¹⁵If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, ¹⁶and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?

James just asserted that “works” are proof of genuine, saving faith. But are they a necessary proof? What kind of “works” serve as adequate proof? Biblical scholars continue to debate the precise connection of works with justification; theological systems line up on opposing sides in trying to answer this question.

If we set aside from the discussion any kind of works done in order to justify oneself before an absolutely holy God, then we are freed from the unease that many feel in interpreting the book of James.

What “works” does James expect to accompany genuine faith? Certainly, his use of the word “law” eleven times keeps the Mosaic law in the conversation, but he reorients us to a different perspective on the Law—to think of it not as a means for justification, but as motivation for holiness in all areas of life. In verse 10, we saw that breaking any one point of the Law makes a person a lawbreaker. In other words, righteous living means obeying God in all areas of life, not only the areas we choose.

James uses the law as a standard for living as justified-by-faith people should live. Genuine faith is not a static state of being. The apostle Paul speaks of forensic justification, of a right standing before God. James says if that faith is genuine it is also a working faith that affects how we treat people. Notice the proof of one’s faith lies not in church attendance or public prayer but in transformed relationships—how we treat the wealthy and those who are deprived of the basic necessities of life. That is the proof James calls for. “Just as you say you believe, act like it.”

Is it possible to have genuine faith, but no outward proof? Yes—look at the thief on the cross, who had no time left to show the veracity of his faith—but that is the exception. James says faith that makes no change in how we treat people is of no use, regardless of what our words say. It is easy to say, “Go in peace.” Some churches even set aside time for congregants to speak that to each other during services. But faith in God should translate into sacrificial action to help meet the needs of others. That is proof of a useful faith!

Lord, thank You for reminding me that my faith in You must be useful for the benefit of others.