Read: James 2:14-17

Salvation is a new way of living through friendship with the living God, beginning now through eternity. And like any good friendship, we are challenged and changed by the values of the other in the friendship. Over time, we take on their values and bahaviours.

So it is in our friendship with God the Father, Son and Spirit. Over time, we are changed by what God cares about. Since God hears the cries of the oppressed and suffering, and comes to their rescue, we too will over time become sensitive to people in need. James says it is impossible for us to stand by and do nothing when we encounter people in need, if we are really engaging in friendship with God.

James says "faith" that helps no one is pointless. And in fact, faith that helps no one is the sign of a dead faith - a relationship with God that is more imaginery than real.

Dead faith inspires dead prayers - empty words that are not supported by the willingness to be the answer to the prayer. Dead prayers help no one. They will not give warmth to someone sleeping in the cold, or give food for someone hungry.

And a dead relationship with God will not lead us to salvation either.

Write
Think about your faith story: how has your relationship with God changed the way your respond to needy people around you? In what ways you have been moved and compelled to help people in need?

What are some things that get in the way of your good-doing? What are some contraints that keep you from good-doing?

What are someone needs God is drawing your attention to in your encounter with the Spirit? How do you typically respond when you see people in need?

Pray
What is God saying to you today?

Talk to God about how your willingness to imitate his generosity and compassion in tending to people in need. Talk to him about how close you feel to him, in relation to how you feel yourself taking on what he cares about.

Talk to God about the limitations you feel in how much good you are able to do.

Pray for the needs you see around you. Ask God for the wisdom to know what to do, and the resources to do it.

Pray for a fresh experience of God's love, grace and mercy as you see the world around you through his eyes, and as you are changed by his compassion, and as you do good in his name.