James 2
If you have true saving faith, you will practice impartiality.
And see people in terms of character, and not clothing, or possessions, or positions.
You will not cater to the rich or ignore the poor.
But you will love each person for the sake of Jesus Christ.
Christian love simply means treating others the way the Lord treats you and doing it in the power of the Spirit.
True saving faith is also seen in activity.
Faith is not something you only talk about – it's something that motivates your life, so that you think of others and serve them.
Abraham was saved by faith, but he proved that faith by obeying God and offering his son.
Rahab the harlot was saved by trusting God, but she showed the reality of her faith by protecting the spies.
James and Paul do not contradict each other – they complement each other.
We're justified – that is declared righteous before God by faith.
But we're justified before men by works.
God can see our faith, but men can see only our works.
James 3
Now the believers James wrote to had problems with their tongues.
Of course, the tongue is not the problem – it is the heart.
But before you say anything, ask yourself some questions.
1.Who's in control?
If your tongue is under God's control, you will take what you say seriously and your whole body will be under His discipline.
2. What would the consequences be?
Are you starting a fire that may get out of control and do a lot of damage?
See, once your words are spoken, you cannot take them back – so look ahead!
3. What are my motives?
Is there bitterness in your heart or envy?
Are you speaking from God's wisdom or the wisdom of the world?
Are you a peacemaker or a troublemaker?
If your heart is right before God, He will use your words to produce the right kind of fruit.
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