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REFLECTION

Faith in action is the theme for our reflection. Faith in action means demonstrating one’s belief in God through good deeds. Faith is the belief in God as the creator and sustainer of life and saviour of the universe. Action, on the other hand, is the good deeds or acts of love required of a believer. James explains the connection between faith and action or good deeds to the recipients of his letter. We shall reflect on the importance of faith in action to a believer.

Dear friend, faith in action is important because it is the only way others who do not share the same faith with us will feel the impact or understand the essence of our relationship with God. Spiritual acts such as prayer, fasting and participating in worship services and the sacrament are visible signs of our faith in God which is towards our personal spiritual and moral development or growth. How will others feel the relevance or impact of our faith? James provides the answer by telling us that “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 (James 2:14-17). Dear friend, Hebrews 11:6 tells us that“without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” Having pleased God by putting our faith in Him, we must keep the faith alive and active by demonstrating it through the good works of love. “Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.” (James 2:21-24). In other words, faith is felt through the act of love and love is experienced through giving. Dear friend, you cannot claim to be a man or woman of faith or one who believes in God yet you are not a cheerful giver or one who finds it difficult to love others and seek their welfare through acts of kindness and generosity. It is for this reason, Jesus taught that “…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16). Faith must produce impactful or good deeds. We must however note that good works or deeds alone cannot grant us eternal life, good works are a product of faith and not a prerequisite for salvation, it for this reason, Paul reminds us that “… it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9). Shalom

In summary, we have reflected on the theme “Faith in action” We identified the fact that our faith is irrelevant if it fails to produce the fruit of love or good deeds. May the Holy Spirit strengthen our faith to produce good fruits according to the will of God.

Prayer

How often do you respond to the needs of others as a believer? Has your faith been impactful in the life of others?

Holy Spirit, enable us to produce the fruits of love in accordance with our faith in God. Amen