James 2:22 (NKLV) “Do you see that faith was working together with his works and by works faith was made perfect?”

I recently read this scripture in James and it seemed to stir something in my heart. I love how scripture, no matter how many times you may have read it before can come alive when you read it. How it can renew something within or convict you in making a change. God is so good that way and He is forever speaking to our spirits through His word.

Our faith and what we believe is demonstrated in our works-what we speak, think and do. For those that are non-believers, a believer’s actions speak louder than their words. Our actions, as a proclaimed Christ follower, are watched and truly speak louder than words. Our actions are watched and held in comparison to what we say. It’s like with children. They listen to what you may say, but are much more inclined to mimic what you do. Truth be told, most of us do the same in assessing the truth and integrity of a person. If a person says one thing, but does another- what will you base your truth about their integrity upon? What they said? or What they did? It their words and actions are congruent, there is no conflict and it is easy to grow to trust what that person says because you have seen their words and actions line up. However, conflict in trust arises when a person says one thing and does another. Their words and actions are incongruent. Thankfully with the Lord there is always congruency in action and words. God is unchanging and trustworthy in all things and at all times.

The struggle for me comes when a person’s words and actions don’t line up. Does anyone else struggle with this? Whether it is an acquaintance, close friend, or family member, how do I know what to truly trust about that person when words and actions aren’t congruent? How do I set good boundaries and still extend the grace and love of the Lord to that individual? How do I keep offense or anger from taking a foothold? I by no means claim to be perfect or claim to live a life free of making mistakes, but there is a difference in realizing that a mistakes been made, taking ownership and asking forgiveness for the mistake and not repeating the mistake vs not acknowledging the mistake, blaming others for the mistake and repeatedly making the same “mistake”. Transparency and accountability help to build trust.

One thing the Lord has recently reminded me is that we are all a work in progress and God extends His grace and love to each of us as we journey through the process. It is often easier to extend grace to oneself, whereas it can be more difficult to do so to those around us. It takes an intentional effort at times to extend grace to those around us especially if we have been hurt in the process. It takes an intentional effort to remember that the Lord is also doing a work in those around us. God is continually faithful to extend grace and love to us when we hurt Him. In a sense, the ability to extend grace in the midst of disparities can be faith in action, a faith that God’s ultimately involved in every aspect of my life and the life of others. Showing love and grace is faith in action when everything in you may want to do otherwise.

Things I ponder- Are my thoughts, words and actions a good representation of who God is and how He loves every person? Am I walking out His love. Am I demonstrating my faith through seeking Him and trusting Him to guide my actions? That is my desire- to be the individual unique light He designed me to be, to reflect His love and grace no matter what. Lord, continue to grow me and transform me into Your likeness for the glory of Your kingdom. Lord, I pray that You bless each person reading this with a renewed or emboldened love for You that You will use to spread to the world around them. Amen