“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:15-17 NIV
One summer evening, I attended a webinar for creative professionals. As the broadcast began, my hunger for physical food spoke so loudly that I couldn’t focus on the presentation because I could only think about food. So, I left the online presentation and went into the kitchen to quickly prepare a light dinner of soup, rice, and bread. After eating my meal and drinking water, I returned to my computer feeling full, satisfied, and ready to stay fully attentive to the teacher.
Just like I couldn’t focus on the teaching because I was hungry for nourishment, we are to meet people’s physical needs before we share a sermon or talk to them about God. The Bible tells us in James 2:15-17 that if anyone is starving, they are less receptive to hearing what we have to say because their physical needs are not met. But once they are fed and full, they can focus and receive all we have to say about Jesus Christ who is the Living Water and Bread of Life.
According to the Enduring Word Bible Commentary, James 2:15-17 shares an example of faith that is dead. The commentary says, “To fail in the most simple good work towards a brother or sister in need demonstrates that one does not have a living faith, and we can only be saved by a living faith in Jesus. Under these two of nakedness and hunger, he comprehends all the calamities of human life, which may be relieved by the help of others; as food and raiment contain all the ordinary supports and comforts of life…”
When all we say is “be warm and filled” and then leave people who are hungry still starving, it makes their situation more desperate. So, if we have the resources to help feed someone, we should offer that to them. There have been times when I was unable to give money to people who were begging on the street corners for it. But I did pray to God that He would send someone with the right resources to help those people meet their needs, and I have faith He did. But whenever I do have the funds to help someone in need, I do my best to do that immediately.
There are many ways we can feed the hungry and clothe the naked, including volunteering at homeless shelters, serving in soup kitchens, working for The Salvation Army and for other nonprofits, and donating money to charities that are focused on being the hands and feet of Jesus. Whenever I have reliable income, I sign up to sponsor children through World Vision. It’s worth every penny. Seeing the smiles on their sweet faces when their parents send me photos and updates about their child, hearing the joy in their letters sharing how my monetary donations and gifts encouraged them, truly uplifts my spirit. To make a positive difference in the life of a child and help people in need is some of the most fulfilling work I’ve ever done.
When the Bible tells us to put our faith into action, we should obey. How are you practicing a real, living faith in God? If you haven’t already, I encourage you to pray and ask God what to do the next time there’s a need.
I hope this song by Babbie Mason, “Each One, Reach One,” encourages your heart. Listen here.
Let’s Pray: Dear God, Thank You for being Jehovah Jireh (our Provider). You are a Great God who knows our every need. Thank You for meeting our needs and sending Your people here on Earth to help meet our needs as well. Help us to reach the world for Jesus Christ. Show us how to meet the needs of people and then share the Good News with them so they may come to know You and be saved in Your Kingdom. In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/FreshSplash
Alexis A. Goring is an author, blogger, editor, photographer, trained journalist, and total foodie. She specializes in Contemporary Christian Romance (fiction) and devotionals (nonfiction). Her first devotional book, Stories and Songs of Faith: My Journey with God, was published in April 2020. Alexis hopes that her life’s work will lead people to Jesus Christ and teach them about the God who loves humankind with all of His heart. When she’s not sharing words that inspire and encourage the heart, you can find her in the kitchen cooking up something tasty, or in a café or restaurant, either dining solo or sharing a meal with loved ones. Connect with Alexis online via her website (https://alexisagoring.
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