Thursday, January 17, 2019

On Love and Faith, Action Words

I've started working my way through the book of James. Today I was in chapter two about showing partiality and faith without action.
Partiality is a sin because it shows judgment.  I thought how easily we do that.  If someone like the President came to my house for a snack, would I pull out the fancy china to show honor to him?  Would I not because it's just a snack?  If I invited a homeless woman into my home for a meal, would I just seat her in the kitchen? Would I get out my best china because she's a guest and this is a meal and take her into the dining room?  Would I refrain because I don't want her to feel bad that I have these fine things and she does not? My head is spinning! Why do we even have fancy things and plain things? Is not every day special and every life sacred?
The value of life, people and things start to fall into place when we see these things from God's perspective. Life is sacred. All people are to be shown love. Things are gifts to be enjoyed that add beauty to our lives and give us pleasure or have practical purpose, but should never be valued above people or the opportunity to show love to them.
God's mercies are new every morning because His love is consistent and everlasting. If I fail to love others with His love, then I will fail to show mercy and will lean toward partiality and  judgment. I know I've been guilty of it in the past. I ask forgiveness and for the capacity to love without partiality and with acts of love. 
Faith with action was the other part of chapter two. If I'm busy acting on my faith, I'll be busy loving in both word and deed. I won't fall into the trap of showing partiality or judgment of any kind. James began the chapter with, "Brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory."  If we "hold" the faith, we have faith in Jesus, adhere to His teaching, and do as He did. May we all look for the opportunities to show the love of Jesus to all we pass and meet making His love known to all.

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