The Proof

“For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” (James 2:26)

How can someone know if their faith is for real? How can they know that the faith they have is the kind that results in eternal life? James helps us answer.

When faith is genuine, our behavior changes. When it is not, we see no real change. Behavior stays the same. Real faith always produces change in how we then live our lives. Behavior expresses inner reality. When the reality is that we have a genuine, personal relationship with the Lord, we will live in ways that demonstrate our commitment to that relationship. Faith always results in good works. Faith that makes no difference is therefore something other than faith – maybe an emotion, a feeling, or a thought, but not faith. Real faith works.

Lord, Help us to walk through this and each day with You, expressing our faith through how we live. Amen.