James 1:22-27 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. 26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
SOAP – James 1:22-27
James writes about the importance of love in action. We are most like God when we are giving, sharing, comforting, praying, and supporting others who are unable or unwilling to reciprocate. This selfless Christ-like action is the evidence that we are followers of Jesus. Believers are called to reflect and represent Jesus by allowing His sacrificial love to be poured out through our actions.
What do your actions, behaviors, and habits teach others about Jesus? The true indicator of a believer’s faith is not in what she says she believes, but in how she lives out what she believes. If believers are not careful, we can confuse knowing God’s truth with living God’s truth.
Father God, You actively demonstrate Your unconditional and selfless love for me daily. Lord, help me to love others in word, action, and in deed. Lord, protect me from the deception of knowing Your Word but not obeying Your Word. Make me acutely aware of any of my actions or behaviors that misrepresent You. Lord, teach me how to love like You love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.