Scripture with Purpose for Young People- James 2:26

Here’s a practical example to help understand-

James 2:26 AMP

 For just as the [human] body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works [of obedience] is also dead.

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Works are an outward expression of inward faith.

Faith comes by hearing the Word of God, concerning the message of Jesus Christ.

When you have faith to believe in Christ as your Savior, then you are saved by His Grace alone, which is God’s undeserved favor, and not by any works you did.

However as you continue in faith and become obedient to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, your heart changes and your faith will begin to manifest outwardly, as doing good works for others.

Imagine you have a plant. Faith is like the seed you plant in the soil. When you believe in Christ as your Savior, it's like planting that seed, which comes to life by God's grace—an undeserved gift.

However, to see that plant grow and thrive, you need to water it, give it sunlight, and take care of it.

These actions are like the "good works" mentioned in the scripture. Just having the seed isn't enough to make it grow; you need to nurture it.

In the same way, having faith in Christ is like planting the seed, but doing good works—helping others, being kind, listening to the Holy Spirit—are like watering and caring for the plant. Without these actions, faith is like a seed that never grows into a healthy plant.

So, the scripture means that faith without actions is like a seed that doesn't get watered—it's alive but not growing. When you truly believe, it shows in how you act and treat others, like a flourishing plant that bears fruit.

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