Action follows faith
Yesterday, we looked at a woman named Ruth who is remembered for her incredible faith. She was willing to go with Naomi and be faithful to God no matter what it cost her. Naomi urged Ruth to go back to her previous home and worship her other gods, but Ruth's reply was remarkable...
Ruth 1:16-18 “But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!’ When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said nothing more.”
In the midst of a great trial, Ruth and Naomi embark on a journey to Naomi's home in Bethlehem. Ruth's determination to remain faithful to God affects Naomi. She is no longer pushing Ruth away but accepts and appreciates the help. They then go on their way to Bethlehem.
Ruth saw Naomi’s need and met it, never leaving her side. James speaks about how our faith must be accompanied by action...
James 2:14-17 “What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or a sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, ‘Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well’—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.”
Questions:
In what ways can someone act out their faith? (share the Gospel, buy a meal, be
with a friend who needs company, etc.)
Have you ever done any of those things?
What does James say faith without action is?
What is something you could do that would meet someone’s need and make your faith known? Do it today!