Saturday 04 February 2023

Background

James continues to address the problems of fledgling churches who seem to feel that it is enough to be Christians without actually living out what faith inspires.

There is a constant and urgent call for God’s people not only to enjoy fellowship but to live out the difference that good Christian fellowship should always inspire. James puts it rather more bluntly: faith without works is dead! (verse 26)

I was privileged to serve as minister of Stamford Methodist Church at a time when a member challenged the fellowship to support those in the community who were struggling to feed their families. As a result, we established ‘Second Helpings’ as church and community working together. The project collects food from retailers and others which would otherwise go to waste and gives it to all-comers. It also offers a three-course meal from the same sources every Saturday. It's all done on a ‘pay as you feel’ basis.  The project puts faith into action by living out Jesus' command to ‘love your neighbour’. See www.secondhelpings.org.uk for more background.

I can also relate the story of John Thomas Job who was stationed as a Methodist Minister in Bethesda, North Wales during the strike of 1900–1903.  In this time of desperation, John Thomas Job and his fellow ministers organised collections throughout Britain and provided soup kitchens to support the strikers and their families who had nowhere else to turn for help. Church members and friends supported the soup kitchens and provided free education and clothes. In short, they were the social service for the people of Bethesda and the surrounding towns and villages.

From this example, Aneurin Bevan was inspired to start the National Health Service.

 As we read this short study today, we are mindful that we are living through a  cost-of-living crisis and the call is urgent for those of us who profess Christian faith to put it into real acts of kindness and service to others. Our faith in action can become the inspiration for work that touches the lives of people everyday – including people whom we will never meet or see, who are changed through us putting our faith into action.

‘Show me your faith without works, and I by my works will show you my faith.’  (verse 18)

Listen

‘Have you heard God’s voice?’

To Ponder:

• What small act of kindness can you offer today?
• How can you help others to put their faith into action?

Prayer

Lord, show me how to live out my faith so as to make a difference not only to those who are in need, but to those who are most in need. In the name of Christ, Amen.