Faith and deeds

James 2: 14 - 26

...his faith and his actions were working together.....

This was the passage that troubled the reformer Martin Luther! I suppose he must have been so concerned to emphasize "justification by faith" that verses like v. 24 (a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone) must have troubled him deeply. Actually, today, I don't think any Christian has a problem with this passage. We do know that faith and deeds need to work together to create a holistic spirituality.

It is not often that people in ragged clothes walk into our churches. In order to reach out to them, we have various social concern ministries that actually go out to where these people live. And I'm sure we are wise enough to feed hungry stomachs before trying to nourish empty souls.

But within the walls of the church there are sometimes 'needy' people whom we miss out. They may not look needy in terms of material needs but there are always people sitting beside us in church who have emotional and spiritual needs. Just praying for them and wishing them well may not be quite enough. I've often wondered what I would hope for when I have such needs, when I am not quite up to things, emotionally and spiritually tired perhaps. Yes, prayer would be most welcome and needed. At the same time, I would need the gift of time and presence. It is not easy to spend time just being with others, without being able to 'fix' things. But the gift of loving presence may be exactly what is needed. A deed of 'giving' even without the active doing part.

Faith without deeds is incomplete. But our deeds need not get us running all over the place. Sometimes, being with is as compassionate a deed as actively helping.

Ever since Mothers Day, I have been pondering what it takes to be a mother. And what it means to have a mother's heart. My readings have assured me that there is much pain involved, even as there is much joy. For "motherhood costs you greatly. Just as it has cost God dearly to love. But He will tell you it is worth it" (Stasi Eldredge). I have managed to clear up some old jigsaws and prepared the board for starting my puppies jigsaw. It will take me time...and in the midst I have to be careful that my own dog does not run off with any of the pieces! She did chew up a piece of jigsaw when she was a puppy!!