“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?
James 2:15-16
In the month of February, most people have love on the brain. We are seeing shades of red and pink lining the store shelves, seeking advertisements for discounted restaurant specials and perhaps even listening to gift requests from that special someone. Although the theme of love is not as evident as the months roll on, most people may still have love on the brain. They may be looking beyond the candied hearts for different affirmations of love. People may be longing to be seen in their hurt, find community amidst their loneliness, or no longer have their need neglected. For those who love God but are forsaking the call to love others, are you showing your faith by your works?
James 2 gives us this scenario:“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? (v. 15-16).
Did this person believe that the one in need would find food and warmth? Yes! In Matthew 6, Jesus reminds us that God feeds the birds of the air and clothes the lilies of the field. Jesus urges us to have faith in knowing that God loves us, will sustain us and is our ultimate provider. But, there are also moments when God stirs our heart to show who He is as a Sustainer and Provider through our love and actions towards others. Did this person in James 2 show his faith by helping meet those physical needs? Not quite. In these verses, we see well-wishes being the response to evident need.
At Caring for Miami there is a unity of faith and deeds at work to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of others. God loves people and calls us to love them as well. When we love in tangible ways, the faith we have in God is on display through our actions. The Backpack Program addresses the need of hungry children through nutritious meals provided on a weekly basis. Project Smile utilizes a mobile unit to provide free dental care to low-income communities and those who are uninsured. The Bridge Program assists immigrants, residents, and citizens in advancing their English-speaking skills through free classes.
Commercialized affirmations of love only come around once a year. Looking beyond that, Caring for Miami has opportunities for you to love others and turn your faith into action.
Commercialized affirmations of love only come around once a year. Looking beyond that, Caring for Miami has opportunities for you to love others and turn your faith into action. You can have a community impact through helping provide food security, access to dental care, and increased education and literacy.
How are you being pressed to love others and show your faith by your works?
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