September 2, 2018
We will read from the epistle of James each Sunday in September. James is perhaps the most practical book of the New Testament; it is certainly the one most centered on the works of the Christian life. Chuck Swindoll introduces the book like this, “Its consistent focus on practical action in the life of faith is reminiscent of the Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament, encouraging God’s people to act like God’s people. The pages of James are filled with direct commands to pursue a life of holiness. For James, a faith that does not produce real life change is a faith that is worthless.”
It seems to me that as we study the 11 traits of Jacob Wetterling, they have been all about practical action, about giving evidence that we are God's people. Today's theme is “Be Kind”. And as we look at this first chapter of James, we will find some actions that fit this decree. We can almost go verse by verse to see what kindness looks like in the eyes of the biblical author.