ACTIONS ARE A VITAL PART OF FAITH

“When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven you.”—Mark 2:5

 

James wrote in his Epistle to the Jewish believers that, “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26).  Faith works; it is visible; it produces results.  Verbal faith is not enough; nor, is mental faith sufficient.  James stressed that true faith inspires action and is manifested in works of faith. 

 

You do not see the wind, but you can see the results of wind.  The results could be in the form of leaves on the tree rustling, a flag blowing or something else depending on how strong the wind is blowing.  Faith is likened to the wind.  You can not see faith, but you can see the result of faith by a person’s actions.  A good example of seeing the result of faith is demonstrated by some men who brought their friend to Jesus to be healed.

 

 While Jesus was staying in Capernaum, many people came to the house where He was staying to hear Him preach.  So many people came, that there was not anymore room in the house.  Some friends of a man who was paralyzed carried him to Jesus; however, upon arrival they discovered there was no room for them to get their friend to Jesus.  Not giving up, the friends cut a hole in the roof where Jesus was, and let the bed down on which their friend was laying to Jesus.  When Jesus saw their faith, He said, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”  The religious leaders, who were sitting and listening to Jesus, began to think in their hearts that no one could forgive sins but God.  Immediately, Jesus perceived in His spirit what they were thinking, and responded to their thoughts by saying, “…that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins…take up your bed, and go to your house” (Mark 2:8-11).  The paralytic man immediately stood up, gathered up his bed, and left the house.  Everyone there was amazed and began to say, “We never saw anything like this!” (Mark 2:1-12). 

 

These men did not give up when circumstances where contrary to what they had planned.  They didn’t say, “Oh, well I guess it wasn’t God’s will to heal our friend because the way wasn’t easy.”  No, even when the way was not easy they did not give up and went out of their way to get their friend to Jesus.  However, because they acted upon what they believed their friend experience a healing, and Jesus was able to use the occasion to teach about forgiveness.  Actions are a vital part of faith.  Corresponding actions must accompany faith (James 2:17).

 

Prayer—Father I ask You to forgive me for the times that I gave up to easily and did not pursue You with all of my heart.  Today, I determine in my heart to walk in genuine trust and reliance upon You and when I do I am assured that my actions will correspond with my faith, in Jesus Name. Amen.