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)
Expanded Passage: James 2:14
Over the years, I come across those who say, “I just don’t have that kind of faith.” When we think of Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), who began franchising his restaurant at age sixty-five in 1955, we think he must have had a lot of faith. Truth be told, we exhibit that faith daily without thinking about it. When you get out of bed do you question if your legs can carry you? No, you simply get up and walk without a second thought. That is faith in action. You follow up your belief with an action.
In this excerpt from James, he asks his audience if faith without action can save a person? James writes that it is impossible to have faith without action. He says that if those who claim to have faith do not act out their faith, their faith is insufficient. Biblical faith is more than simply hoping for the best. One saved by faith experiences true conviction by the Holy Spirit, a conversion that enables them to turn from their selfish desires and resolve to live a life directed by God. We can live for God because of our faith in him. His grace is what makes that possible. While we are not saved by works, our faith in God is demonstrated through our works.
May our faith in God be evident by the things we do.
Iona Halliday-Simmonds is a wife, mother, and member of The Wesleyan Church who finds great pleasure in serving in community outreach and youth and family ministries.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
