MONDAY: LOVE THAT MOVES
KEY PASSAGE
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 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”
DEVOTIONAL
Maybe you have heard the saying “Don’t just talk the talk, walk the walk”. This can apply to so many areas of our lives, including marriage and friendship. I can tell my spouse all day that I love them, but if that love never moves me to action, the marriage will suffer. I can tell someone they are my best friend and mean the world to me, but if I never check in or make time for them, they would question the sincerity of our friendship.
This Scripture is not telling us that we can work our way to heaven or that faith in Jesus is based on works. Rather, it teaches that true love for and faith in Jesus should be accompanied by real genuine action. We should be moved into action: to pray, to serve, to give, to forgive, to love. If we claim faith in Christ but there is no fruit to show for it, our faith is simply lifeless.
Maybe you are feeling like your faith is lifeless or stale. It could be because action has yet to follow your faith. As you allow your faith to move you into action, you will see it grow stronger. Your faith will become vibrant, alive, and full of purpose!
CHALLENGE
I once heard a pastor say “Preach the Gospel, and when necessary, use words”. Consider how you could Preach the Gospel this week with your actions. This could be joining a serve team at church, or volunteering time to a compassion ministry in the community. This could also be giving someone some extra time on the phone today, or paying for the meal behind you in a drive-thru line. Ask God to show you how to LIVE out your faith, and watch Him build your faith in the process!