August 28 | James 2:14-17

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DAILY READING

James 2:14-17

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REFLECTION

James the Just; From Skeptic to a Devoted Leader

By Diane Ward

Surely the phrase “The Good Samaritan,” speaks of one who helps a stranger.

During the 1970’s as wounded Vietnam veterans came home, one of my clinical nursing rotations was at a VA hospital. My young son cut a featured picture from the newspaper one evening and gave it to me. He said the man in the picture was the Good Samaritan, as he helped the wounded man step up on the sidewalk. “The Samaritan saw him and had compassion.” (Luke 10:33)

James emphasizes faith in God shown by how we treat others. Faith without action is useless and does not demonstrate true belief. Serving in love strengthens us with renewed faith, fulfilling the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2) Paul’s last letter, while imprisoned in Rome reminds Timothy of the faith living in him, inherited by his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice. (2 Timothy 1:1-14.)

Miracles of faith remind us of the” loaves and fishes.” James specifically says to consider God’s work in His kingdom. Acts of kindness and compassion inspire others to follow the path of service. Jesus is the living embodiment of self-giving and self-effacing love. Without Him there would be no church. A loving, caring heart is a hospice to the world!

August 8^th, I worked with “UALC women’s quilt ministry.” Lutheran World Relief distributes quilts around the world to those in need.

This is how we serve in love!

PRAYER

Dear Lord,

Thank you for all of the opportunities to serve. Help us to serve in love. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DIANE WARD

I love to research and learn something new I hadn’t considered. From 2015 through present, I continue to write on fifth Fridays. Bless us all who write and share the Word of God! We never know who might find peace and grace along the way, including us!