Characteristics of a faithful Christian
Although there are many who identify as Christian, not all genuinely share the same true faith in Christ unfortunately. So to help us find out what a faithful Christian looks like, this past Sunday, we learned of two characteristics from James 2. Let us apply these characteristics in our lives, so that those who seek hope, can find it in the church.
Faithful Christians live a life that does not discriminate (v 1-13)
My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. - James 2:1
It can be difficult to love those who are different to you. Perhaps they have different religious views, different political views, a different education background, or a different cultural upbringing. However, by discriminating, we don’t share in the gospel principle that God does not show partiality. For He judges all by the same standard, regardless of differing views or upbringing.
This passage shows some who discriminate based on financial status - discriminating rich from poor, so they can reap the benefits attained from associating with those who are rich. All the while, neglecting the poor and marginalised. It can be easy to frown upon that behaviour, but we often fall into that trap too. Where we withhold love to those who are different from us. But this cannot continue. As we ought to be like Christ and love all people; humbling ourselves to love those who are hard to love in the same way that Christ loved us while we were still sinners. He loved us to the extent of sacrificing himself so we could find salvation and hope in him.
Reflection Questions
1. Why is it difficult to love certain people?
2. How does this help us view Gods love for us?
3. What are some ways we can start to love these people?
Faithful Christians live a life where faithfulness can be seen (v 14 - 26)
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? - James 2:14
True faith is followed by action. This is not to say that true faith is achieved by works, but that faith is proven or validated by works. In other words, the fruit of true faith is good works.
If your faith is simply an idea, which doesn’t lead to good works, then that faith is dead. But faith that proves itself real by works, is saving faith. We see saving faith in motion in the lives of Abraham and Rahab. They both proved the legitimacy of their faith by risking their own lives and dreams to obey God’s calling.
Similarly, we shouldn’t proudly declare our Christianity yet live hollow lives, lacking love, kindness, care and hospitality. James shares the bad example of Christians who witness others struggling, yet do nothing about it. When we see someone struggling financially, we should provide assistance where we can. When we see those who are sick, we should offer our support to help carry their struggle. Our faith should be accompanied by our deeds; a faith that expresses itself in a Christ exalting love.
Reflection Questions
1. What are some ways that your faith and your life does not match up?
2. What are some practical actions of faith that we can implement this week?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Forgive us for the times we only love those who are easy to love. Give us the heart to love those around us who are difficult to love.
We ask for your strength to also live out the gospel in our lives so we can prove the faith we have in you is real.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen