Are we not saved by faith? How can James say that faith alone cannot save us? But is James alone? Paul said that a faith that can move mountains but without love is worthless (1 Cor 13:2). Jesus said that the person who hears his words but does not put them into practice will be swept away with the storms of life (Mt 7:27). For James, a merely intellectual faith that does not produce a faithful response in us is not true faith at all -- even demons have that kind of faith. Real faith must move us to love God and others.

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For Reflection:

Paul says that we cannot earn God's favor, it is a gift (Eph 2:8), but we are also created to do good works (Eph 2:10). Or as James says here, faith without good deeds is dead.

- Supposed a child asked you about the relation between faith and good deeds? How might you address this child's question?

- What are some of the transforming effects that faith has had on your life over time? What have others noticed in you for which you might point to God's grace at work in you? Take some time to thank God for those things.