Second Sunday in Lent (3/1)

READ: James 2:18-20 

Someone might claim, “You have faith and I have action.” But how can I see your faith apart from your actions? Instead, I’ll show you my faith by putting it into practice in faithful action. It’s good that you believe that God is one. Ha! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble with fear. Are you so slow? Do you need to be shown that faith without actions has no value at all?

REFLECT 

James anticipates the objection: "Can't some people have faith while others have works?" No. You can't separate them. Faith and works aren't different spiritual gifts or personality types. They're two sides of the same reality. Intellectual belief isn't faith — even demons have that. Faith is trust that transforms how you live in the world. If your beliefs haven't changed how you navigate power, wealth, and vulnerability, it's not faith. It's just information. As we move deeper into Lent, this becomes our measure: is our faith alive?

RESPOND 

How has your faith in Jesus actually changed your behavior in the last month? Be specific.

PRAY 

God, we confess that sometimes our belief is mere information. Transform our minds and our lives. Amen.