Friday 6 February 2026

Psalm 130

Background
This section of James’ letter continues to warn the readers that showing partiality and practising discrimination is not what Christians should be doing. To do so breaks the fundamental commandment – or 'royal law' – “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (v. 8). The author goes on to highlight that it does a person no good to say they obeyed part of the law by, for instance, fully welcoming a rich person into their community but then fail to do the same for a poor person. One good action does not excuse one failing. When we make a commitment to follow Christ we should strive to do that as fully as we are able.

The writer then turns to a focus on faith and works, reflections that have caused controversy ever since because of the apparent difference with the theological position in Paul’s letters. Paul is clear, telling the Galatians “We know that a person is justified not by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ” (Galatians 2:16). Similarly he tells the Romans “For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works” (Romans 3:28). In contrast the author of James, which we are reading today, asserts that “So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.” (v. 17)

Both Paul and James then use the example of Abraham to support their belief. For Paul “the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith” (Romans 4:13) and yet the author of James says, “Was not our ancestor Abraham justified by works when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was brought to completion by the works.” (vs 21-22).

There has been centuries of debate about how such apparently opposite positions could be reconciled. However the author of James clearly places great importance on faith,  but is suggesting that a new life in Christ through faith should then lead to a new way of living, which would be seen in the way the new Christian behaves towards the most vulnerable, such as those who are “naked and lack daily food” (v. 15). Here the letter writer is on firm ground, echoing Jesus’ words in his parable of the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46).

To Ponder:

• Is it fair to suggest that some people are “so heavenly minded as to be of no earthly use”?
• Consider how your own faith and belief have impacted your actions.

Prayer
Faithful God, we thank you for your unconditional love. Help us, as we grow in faith and understanding of your amazing grace, to respond through the love we show to our neighbours. Amen.

Bible notes author: Dr Richard Vautrey
Dr Vautrey is a local preacher and church steward in Leeds, and a former Vice-President of the Methodist Conference. He works as a GP and is a former chair of the BMA's GP committee.