From Faith With Love

James 2:15-16, NIV: Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?

We are a people guided by pastors and theologians who diligently dissect the Word of God to further discover its truths. We have our meetings and times of Bible studies, and leave such sessions thrilled by intellectual stimulations and new spiritual insights. Yet, all too often we then take our bits of truth home with us and put them upon our bookshelves to gather dust, to later wonder why we don't see God's power in our lives. James tells us that, faith without works is dead. All the devotional readings, sermons, and Bible studies in the world will mean nothing unless practically applied to your life. Paul reminds us, “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing” (1 Cor. 13:2). What we learn from God is meant to be practically applied—lived out in faith—and expressed to others with love.