“What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and be filled’, and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?” – James 2:14-17
While prayer is the most powerful action we can do to help one another, it is good and right to be practical; otherwise, “what use is it?” Caring for someone comes naturally to Jesus, so with His life flowing through us, it should come naturally to us. Christ’s love for us transforms our life and our behavior and motivates us to connect with others in order to care for one another. One commentary explains it this way, “Deeds of loving service are not a substitute for, but rather a verification of, our faith in Christ.” So as you pray for one another, let that prayer move you to “practically” help meet the needs of others. Often, if you draw near enough to God in prayer, He will place on your heart what that person needs, and you won’t have to ask; you can just give.
How can you help meet the needs of someone else today who may be lacking in some way?
